THE BAPTISM OF THE LORD: A REFLECTION

John the Baptist, Administering baptism to Our Lord Jesus. Photo by Dr. H. Rosana, from the Shrine of Our Lady of Penafrancia, Naga City, Camarines Sur, Philippines

“...’Thou art my beloved Son; with thee I am well pleased." Luke 3:22

Today we celebrate the feast of the Baptism of the Lord and in today’s Liturgy we read about John the Baptist and about Jesus.  John preceded the Lord in his ministry.  He was well known among many Judeans as the baptizer, that is why they called him the Baptist.  His fire and brimstone preaching had its impact on his audience.  He came with the power of Elijah.  His words touched on the hearts of the people, that according to the Scriptures even the soldiers, the prostitutes and even the prominent religious teachers of his time (including the Pharisees) listened intently and inquired of John what they should do.  Though he did not perform any miracles or signs, Jesus, our Lord said that of all the prophets born of women, there was no one greater than John the Baptist ( I would opine that John the Baptist will occupy an important place in the Kingdom of God).  John’s prominence was so obvious that many thought John would be the Messiah, the anointed one who will deliver Israel from bondage.  But when asked about it he said, "I baptize you with water; but he who is mightier than I is coming, the thong of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie; he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.” Luke 3:16. 

Now Christ like many of the Jews of the time went also to John’s Baptism, John recognized him and said that he was not worthy of Baptize the Lord.  But Jesus our Lord told that this has to be done because this was the requirement of God’s righteousness.  If there are two things that unite John the Baptist and Jesus, was their humility and submission to God’s Will.  Both obeyed God even in the most smallest detail.  They were devoid of worldly mentality and in fact despise the standards and honours of this world.  John showed his renunciation by wearing a camel’s skin as his clothes and he nourished himself only with bread, honey and water.  Jesus for His part said, that birds have nests but the “Son of Man” has nowhere to lay His head.  Moreover He said on one occasion that the Kings and prominent men of this world are served and are obeyed, but in the Kingdom of God, the one who is the greatest is the one who serves. 

Thus, in today’s reading we saw how God has anointed His Messiah, the saviour and king of Israel and the saviour of the world.  When John Baptized Jesus, the Spirit of God affirmed this in bodily form for everyone to hear.  God, Almighty said: "Thou art my beloved Son; with thee I am well pleased."

John’s humility and Christ’s humility were the redeeming manifestations of God’s grace.  For if Adam and Eve lost their place in Paradise by disobedience and pride, and if Lucifer fell from heaven because of pride, here Christ is telling us that humility and submission to God’s Will, will open the door to paradise and to the tree of life [which is Jesus, Jesus is the tree of life, the man who hanged on the tree-the cross, became our source of life.].   The lesson for today is telling us that like John and Jesus we should follow the way of obedience.  The word obedience is something not easy for our present world.  This is because the modern Man tells us to disobey the will of God.  The relativism of this age makes the individual person the moral arbiter.  There is a general attitude to despise values and faith commonly shared by all believers.  This is evident in many facets of our communal, and national life.  There are times when even our religious leaders when they teach the truth, are often despised and maligned.  But we who are called to follow Jesus, must learn to seek the Will of God, no matter how difficult or unpopular it is.  There are many practical situations when this is tested.  For example when we emphasize and stood for the value of life and the value of the Christian family, we are maligned by the world.  We are touted as intolerant and closed-minded.  Yes it is true, we do not impose our views on others, but neither can we remain silent and put our beliefs and faith in the closet.  For Christ said that, when we lit a candle, we put that candle on the receptacle and on top of the table for everyone to see.  So that its light will shine on everyone.  Furthermore we are also called to be the salt of earth.  To give flavour.  But what if the salt has lost its savour? Will it be good for anything still?