FEAST OF THE BAPTISM OF THE LORD

07^TH /8^TH JANUARY 2023

Dear Parishioners,

Today we celebrate the Baptism of Jesus, by John at the river Jordan. John was administering a Baptism of repentance for sin. Jesus was without sin, yet he requested John’s baptism. John didn’t think it was a good idea, he said, “It is I who need baptism from you.” But, Jesus said: “Leave it like this for now … to do all that righteousness demands.” Jesus, the sinless one, joins the queue for baptism. In this gesture, he is able to identify with all of humanity; he is like us in all things but sin.”

When Jesus is baptised, suddenly, “the heavens opened … and the Spirit of God descended like a dove (like Pentecost) and coming down on him. And a voice from heaven, ‘This is my Son, the Beloved, my favour rests on him.” This is a dramatic event in the life of Jesus. He had lived ‘the hidden life’ in Nazareth for some 30 years. Now a new chapter was being opened in his life, not just the heavens! This voice of the Father from heaven was a solemn declaration and making known the divinity of Jesus, now about to begin his public ministry. Liturgically, today marks the end of the Christmas period. We have just celebrated the Epiphany, the making known to the world, through the Magi, that our Saviour is in our midst.

With “the heavens opened”, a new chapter in the history of our salvation is being proclaimed. The heavens shut, because

of the sin of Adam and Eve are now re-opened for all to enter! So we can reflect on our own baptism: We are made children of God; we are drawn into the life of the Trinity, Father, Son and Holy Spirit; we are brothers and sisters of Jesus; as God’s children, we are heirs to all Jesus had done for us and all his inheritance is ours. We are part of the life and love of God in our baptism. We now have to play our part. That is why we can renew our Baptismal Promises and renew our Faith and dedication to continue to try to live as God’s children. We are invited to RENEW our efforts in reflecting God’s love for each one of us. Just as we have special moments and chapters in our lives which we celebrate as anniversaries, birthdays, weddings, new jobs, new beginnings etc., likewise, we renew our baptismal promises just as at Easter time.

Every blessing for this week and the year ahead.

Fr Joe