The Feast of the Baptism of the Lord is a liturgical bridge that connects the Christmas season to Ordinary Time. During the Christmas season we pondered the Incarnation, Nativity, Presentation in the Temple, and Epiphany. Today, we see Jesus manifesting Himself to the world as He began His three years of public ministry.

In the first reading, Isaiah speaks of comfort and hope, proclaiming the coming of the Lord who will reveal His glory. Isaiah’s imagery of valleys being lifted and mountains made low evokes a deep sense of transformation and preparation, which reflects the spiritual renewal and cleansing that baptism imparts in us. The Catechism teaches that through baptism, individuals are freed from sin and reborn as children of God (CCC 1265). Just as Isaiah foretells the coming of one who will prepare the way for God, baptism prepares us to receive the grace of God and enter a new relationship with Him.

In Paul’s letter to Titus, we hear about the transformative power of God’s grace and salvation through Jesus Christ. The reference to “being washed and regenerated” connects directly to the act of baptism, which symbolizes inner transformation and the washing away of sin. Paul conveys that through baptism, Christians receive the Holy Spirit and a new identity as heirs of eternal life.

In the Gospel of Luke, we witness the actual baptism of Jesus and hear the affirmation of His identity as the Beloved Son. The presence of the Holy Spirit and the voice of the Father gives the importance of this moment. For us, Jesus’ baptism serves as a model; it sanctifies the waters of baptism. The Catechism discusses how Jesus’ immersion in the waters of the Jordan anticipates His death, which baptism symbolizes (CCC 1227). Through the sacrament, we are called to share in the life of Christ, embracing our identity as beloved children of God.

-Fr. Anthony Dim