Baptism of the Lord

Message in a Minute for Jan 13:

Today is the feast of the Baptism of the Lord. This feast marks a transition from the Christmas season to Ordinary Time.  This is an important feature of the event of the Lord’s baptism, because the baptism is the beginning of his public ministry of teaching and healing. Ordinary time is anything but “ordinary.”  Rather, it is our chance to listen to the words of Christ.  We get to travel with him, learn from him, listen to him. Think about all the time the disciples had with Jesus.  Sure, there were big events in their lives, like the Resurrection.  But, I think it was in the quiet moments that they were able to grow in their faith.  This is why Ordinary Time is an important time in our own life of faith as well.  We know about the importance of Advent, Lent, Easter, and Christmas.  These events are wonderful times for spiritual growth.  But, so is Ordinary Time: take advantage of these next few weeks. Listen to Christ.  Spend time with him.  Grow in your faith.

When Jesus is baptized, he comes out of the water and the voice from heaven is heard saying, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”  This voice confirms Jesus’ identity.  Truly he is the Son of God.  But, Jesus’ baptism also helps us to understand our own baptism.  Jesus walks before us in all things, including his baptism. So, when Jesus is baptized, the Holy Spirit comes upon him and heaven proclaims that he is God’s son.  I like to think that every time someone is baptized, the same thing happens to that person.  Now, we don’t necessarily hear the voice from heaven, but it’s there nonetheless.  The person baptized receives the gift of the Holy Spirit.  The person baptized is adopted as a son or daughter of God.  

Yet, how often do we take some time to reflect on the wonderful mystery of our baptism?  A few years ago, at a confirmation Mass, Bishop Rhoades asked everyone in the church if they knew the date of their baptism.  Only a couple people knew.  Then he asked if anyone knew the date of their birth.  Of course, everyone knew their birthday.  So, he challenged everyone to know the date of their baptism.  Because, while it is important to know the date we were born naturally, it’s also important to know the date when we were born spiritually.  In many ways, the day of our baptism is much more important than the day of our birth.  The day we were baptized we received the Holy Spirit and God called us sons and daughters. Amazing gift.

            Do you know your baptism date?  Mine is Sept 17.  Look up your own.  Take some time this week to reflect on the amazing mystery of our own baptism as we celebrate the baptism of Christ.