The Feast of the Baptism of the Lord marks the conclusion of the Christmas season in the Liturgical calendar and the commencement of Jesus’ public ministry. We are familiar with the events that occurred on the banks of the River Jordan on the day of Jesus’ baptism, with John the Baptist emerging from the wilderness to baptize Jesus and the Holy Spirit descending on Him as God’s voice from heaven is heard. To help us reflect on this feast’s profound mysteries, let us dig deeper and look at some questions.
If baptism cleanses sins, why did Jesus, the Sinless One, get baptized? Jesus did not require baptism for His purification; He was without sin. The Gospels affirm this understanding, with John the Baptist expressing astonishment at Jesus’ request, stating, “I need to be baptized by you, and yet you are coming to me?” —Matthew 3:14. “Jesus said to him in reply, “Allow it now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he allowed him.” —Matthew 3:15. Jesus’ response indicates that His baptism was not for personal need but to fulfill God’s plan. The Catechism of the Catholic Church explains it this way, “Our Lord voluntarily submitted himself to the baptism of St. John, intended for sinners, in order to “fulfill all righteousness.” Jesus’ gesture is a manifestation of his self-emptying. The Spirit who had hovered over the waters of the first creation descended then on the Christ as a prelude of the new creation, and the Father revealed Jesus as his “beloved Son.” —Catechism §1224. Jesus’ baptism did not alter His divine nature; He was already perfect and sinless. Since He was fully God and fully man, the baptism did not grant Him new graces or transform Him. However, it did signal the start of His public ministry and the unfolding of salvation history.
Why did John abandon the priesthood and retreat into the desert? John the Baptist’s father, Zechariah, was a priest, and his mother, Elizabeth, was a descendant of Aaron, a priestly family. Jewish priesthood was hereditary, so John was also a priest, like his father and mother’s ancestor’s lineage. John’s retreat into the wilderness was a deliberate and prophetic act that reflected his unique role in salvation history. It allowed him to fulfill his unique role as the forerunner of Christ, calling for repentance and preparing the way for the new covenant established through Jesus.
What is the relevance of John the Baptist’s ministry to our lives? John’s ministry is a model of faithful submission to God’s plan, repentance, and witness for Christians. He called us to repent, turn away from sin, and prepare our hearts for the Lord’s coming. This conversion is central to our Christian faith and invites us to continuously examine our lives and seek reconciliation with God. It emphasizes prioritizing our personal relationship with Christ and witnessing to Him by sharing the Gospel of His love and salvation, thus fulfilling our mission of discipleship.
Go in Peace to Love and Serve the Lord.
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