The Baptism of the Lord
The Feast of the Baptism of the Lord ends the Christmas Season. It probably seems very unlike other Christmas events: the Nativity, Holy Family, and Epiphany. However, this feast is sometimes called the Theophany, which means “a manifestation of God.” Like all the Christmas mysteries, we grapple with the “both/and” of Jesus’ divine and human natures joined in His person.
It is interesting that Jesus would participate in John’s baptism of repentance—for He was without sin. John lived a very high standard of consistent, ascetic discipline. Christ could have done the same as a walk in the park. Many of us can have this perfection of holiness, and we should all strive for it. Still, even some of us in the perfection of religious life pale at this ideal. What does the Baptism of the Lord say to us in this regard?
After Jesus was baptized the Holy Spirit descended on Him in the form of a dove and the voice of Father said: “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” This is both a theophany and an acknowledgment of God’s complete love for His Son. The tradition says that Christ actually baptized water instead of the water baptizing Him! And in His death and Resurrection baptism will make us sons and daughters of the heavenly Father by adoption.
Thus, those words said to Jesus are said to us. Namely, that “God became man, so that man might become God” (St. Irenaeus, et al.), and that before we do any act of excellent holiness or sinful depravity we are beloved children of God. We can only grow in holiness when we trust in the grace of Christ to perfect our work. When we fail, our temptation is to either beat ourselves up or give in to pleasure. Both reactions focus on us rather than on the Father’s love. Remember the words spoken at Christ’s Baptism, seek healing sacraments, and live in the new freedom of the children of God.
Reflection by Fr. Pachomius Meade, OSB
Posted in Articles for Christmas, Daily Reflections