Just a word before we go...The Baptism of the Lord...January 12, 2024

             We hear of the Baptism of Jesus today, and as with so many things in life, what is true for Jesus is true also for us.  Before Jesus has told a story, preached a sermon, or changed water into wine, God tells him that he is the beloved, in whom God is well pleased. Can you imagine that at your Baptism, before you had grown into a person who could make choices and determine your way in the world, God had chosen you as a beloved daughter or son?  Can you hear God say that to you? Or does the noise in your life cancel out that affirmation of being loved and chosen?

Most of us in this congregation do not remember the words spoken at our Baptism, unless you were older when you were baptized.  The priest or minister said, "Just as Jesus was anointed priest, prophet and king, so may you live always as a member of his body sharing everlasting life.” Think about those words.  At our Baptism, as we became sons and daughters of God, each of us was given the roles of priest, prophet and king.  Each of us shares in the priesthood of Jesus; when we come to Mass we, along with the ordained presider, offer the Eucharist together with the whole community.  We also carry out our priestly mission in our daily lives, as we continue the work of Jesus, bringing love and justice to the world.

We share in Jesus’ prophetic role, bringing justice and peace, and spreading God’s goodness, tenderness and healing, as we encounter others in need. And we share in Jesus’ role as king...but not as this world sees a ruler, but as Jesus gave example, leading by doing good, by reaching out to others.  We are to lead by serving, out of love. 

Our Baptism empowered us to share the love we received on the day of our anointing with the world. Perhaps on this Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, we might spend some time thinking about the original blessing of our own Baptism, when God’s “kindness and generous love” was lavished upon us. Let’s resolve to turn the dial from the voices and noise that threaten our peace of mind and our sense of being the beloved of God, and tune into the blessing and strength conferred by our Baptism, honoring the gifts we share with Jesus, and more able to live fully the life God so graciously has given us.