The Baptism of the Lord
At Jesus’ baptism, we hear the Father announcing his Sonship. Jesus is loved by the Father because the Father is love. Jesus is even the expression of this love because he has come among us and offered himself for us even though we are unworthy of him. His Incarnation reveals to us the lengths to which God will go for his beloved, accepting death in our place so that we might have life. Indeed, just as Jesus is loved by the Father, so are we loved without limit. We may not be worthy of that love, but he gives it all the same because it is God’s nature to love.
Thus, God even invites us to become his children in imitation of his Son Jesus by undergoing our own baptism. We follow the example of Jesus, embracing God as our Father, because we know that life as a child of God is better than the alternative. Such a life has challenges and difficulties, but we can endure them with the love and guidance of our Heavenly Father.
Reflection by Fr. Victor Schinstock, OSB
Posted in Articles for Ordinary Time, Daily Reflections