Mt. 3,13-17
John the Baptist, in his role as forerunner of Jesus, reminds us, immediately, in his preaching, of the huge contrast between himself and Jesus. He leads the way for Jesus, who is more powerful than he is; so much so that he is unworthy to be his lowest servant. The contrast continues in John’s baptism with water and Jesus’ baptism with the Holy Spirit. John’s baptism cleanses the body, while Jesus’ baptism with the Holy Spirit purifies the whole person, body and soul and mind.
Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee, a place never mentioned in the Old Testament, to be baptised by John. Matthew has told us already (3,11-12) that John’s was a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins, (Mt 3,14-15), so it understandable why he should want to dissuade Jesus from being baptised. Jesus’ insisting on being baptised so as” to fulfil all righteousness” is a much discussed by theologians. In asking to be baptised Jesus is affirming the standard of righteousness of life demanded of all who were baptised by John.
The baptism is not described, but the dramatic after- effects speak for themselves, indicating that something awesome has occurred.
The opening of the heavens and the descent of the Holy Spirit have rich Old Testament resonances in Ps. 18,9; 144,5 – “Jahweh, lower the heavens and come down to us;”2 Sam 22,10; and Isaiah 64,1 “Oh that you tear the heavens apart and come down.”
The voice from heaven, speaking directly to Jesus, confirms his identity as the Son of God, and “my favour rests on you,” associates him with the famous Suffering Servant of Isaiah 42,1- God’s chosen one in whom His soul delights, thereby highlighting the part suffering will play in Jesus’ life and mission.
“Beloved Son” means “Only Son”, echoing Ps 2,7, and pointing to a unique relationship between the Father and the Son. See also Isaiah 42,1 –“ Behold my servant who I have chosen, in whom my soul delights.”
The title “beloved Son”- indicates that in Jesus a new era has begun, the era of the kingdom of God as a prelude to messianic times when the kingdom will be fully realized.
The descent of the Holy Spirit confirms Jesus in his mission to save the human- race through his life, death and resurrection.
Lumen Gentium, the Vatican II document, giving a rich theology of the Church and its mission, highlights eloquently the role of the baptised in the mission of the Church. “The apostolate of the laity is a sharing in the mission of the Church. Through baptism and confirmation all the baptised are appointed to this apostolate by the Lord himself.” (Art 33).
Through these sacraments we become Spirit –filled, adopted brothers and sisters of the Lord, heirs to his kingdom, and co-opted into his saving mission which the church carries on till the end of time.
We should regularly celebrate our own privileged, baptismal, Christian identity and destiny, and that of all the baptised. God’s love impels us to want all people to share in it.
You know your birthday! Do you know the date of your Baptism, your spiritual birthday?
Today is an appropriate day to thank God for the gift of your own baptism and an opportunity to reflect on how you are contributing to the spread of His kingdom.
Father Geoff O’Grady