Baptism of the Lord – First Sunday in Ordinary Time

1^st Sunday (Baptism of the Lord) 

Is 42:1-4, 6-7; Acts 10:34-38; Mt 3:13-17

Baptism with a Mandate

There were two small children—one biologically born of her mother and the other adopted. Both were arguing with each other. Finally, the adopted child said, “You were born of your mother’s womb, but I was born in her heart.” Through Baptism, we become children of God—the adopted children of His heart. Baptism is a gift freely given, but given for a mission. The Feast of the Baptism of Our Lord challenges us to recognize this truth.

Water, Sign of Fertility: Baptism is not a human invention. For centuries, the Jewish people practiced baptismal rites. Until the destruction of the Temple in 70 A.D., it was common for Jews to use a special pool called a mikveh (a collection of water) as a means of spiritual cleansing and the removal of impurity and sin. Men took this ritual bath weekly on the eve of the Sabbath, while women did so monthly. Converts to Judaism were also expected to take this ritual bath before their initiation. Orthodox Jews still retain this practice today.

Water, used in baptism, is a sign of the fullness of human life. It is the element of fertility and regeneration—without water, there is no life. Thus, in all great religions, water symbolizes motherhood and fruitfulness. According to the Church Fathers, water is also a symbol of the maternal womb of the Church.

The Mandate Given to Jesus: John’s baptism in the River Jordan was a baptism of repentance meant for sinners. Jesus, though sinless, received baptism at John’s hands. Why, then, did He do so? The answer lies in the Father’s proclamation: “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” This moment fulfills the prophecy of Isaiah (42:1), who foretold that the Servant of God would be filled with the Spirit.

Isaiah distinguished the mission of the Servant from that of the prophets. The prophets proclaimed God’s word publicly and forcefully, but the Servant would work quietly—through compassion, mercy, and example. He would gently nurture those who carried the potential for new life and would transform the nations through acts of kindness.

God assured the Servant of ultimate victory. Filled with the Spirit, He would bring justice to the nations, open the eyes of the blind, and free those bound by the darkness of sin and ignorance. His suffering would bring atonement for sin, leading to an inner transformation—a change of heart—for all who listened to His word. In this way, the Servant would restore humanity to right relationship with God.

Thus, Jesus’ baptism marks the acceptance and beginning of His mission as the Suffering Servant. His mission of salvation would not be achieved by force or conquest, but through the Cross. At His baptism, Jesus receives a divine mandate, and His Sonship is solemnly proclaimed. When the Spirit descends upon Him in the form of a dove—symbolizing gentleness—the Spirit empowers Him to preach the Good News.

The Practicing Doctor: The Baptism of the Lord holds deep significance for each of us. His baptism institutes the Sacrament of Baptism itself. Through baptism, we profess our faith in Christ and are saved, justified, and cleansed from sin. “Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit, and the door which gives access to the other sacraments” (CCC #1213). St. Paul teaches that through baptism, we are made new—born again of God and transformed into a new creation. The Baptism of the Lord, therefore, calls us to renew the commitment we made at our own baptism: to renounce sin and to live according to the Spirit.

During a solemn Baptism ceremony in the Sistine Chapel, Pope Benedict XVI reflected, “Baptism is not only a word; it is not only something spiritual, but also implies matter—substance. All the realities of the earth are involved in it. Baptism does not only concern the soul. Human spirituality includes the totality of the person—body and soul. God’s action in Jesus Christ is an action of universal efficacy and for the totality of the person.”

There is a story of a married couple—both doctors, one of theology and the other of medicine. One day, the doorbell rang and the maid answered. The visitor asked for “the doctor.” The maid replied, “Do you want the one who preaches or the one who practices?” Likewise, many know the theory of Christian living, but few practice it. We have many baptized Christians, but only a few practicing ones.

To Produce Its Effects: Baptism cannot produce its effects in a social vacuum. That is why the Church does not baptize those who have no likelihood of experiencing Christian community. Like Jesus, our baptism brings with it a serious obligation to share our faith—both by word and example.

Baptism involves more than merely “saving our souls” or “avoiding sin.” It calls us to be living witnesses of the Gospel—to be the salt of the earth, a city on a hill, and a candle radiating light amid the darkness. Our baptism is not merely a past event recorded in a dusty parish register; it is a living reality meant to be continually deepened and renewed.

May God our Father be able to say of us, as He said of Jesus: “This is my beloved child, with whom I am well pleased.”              —————————