Gospel: Matthew 3:13-17
Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him. John
tried to prevent him, saying, "I need to be baptized by you, and yet
you are coming to me?" Jesus said to him in reply, "Allow it now, for
thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness." Then he allowed
him. After Jesus was baptized, he came up from the water and behold, the
heavens were opened for him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a
dove and coming upon him. And a voice came from the heavens,
saying, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well
pleased."
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Reflection:
A deeply spiritual and religious person would always pray deeply or visit
a church to pray. Before he embarks on a major journey or make an important
decision in his life. For example, a soldier who will be assigned to a new
place would first visit a church to attend the celebration of the Holy Mass. In
other words a deeply religious/spiritual person would always find time for God
first before doing that important decision in his life or before embarking on a
major journey.
Jesus did that, before starting his three years public ministry he first
went to John the Baptist to be baptized. At first John was not inclined to do
it for he knew Jesus’ true identity but Jesus insisted. After His baptism the
Holy Spirit descended upon Him as if to affirm and say to Jesus that you can
now go and start your salvific mission.
Nowadays, before doing or making important decisions in our lives. Many
of us are not anymore conscious of attending Holy Mass or to simply pray deeply
to ask for God’s guidance. Perhaps, this is influenced by the modernity of our
times where smart phones and internet connection takes precedence over our
connection with our Lord. Therefore, we must reverse this false and worldly
connectivity. Our connection with our Lord must take precedence over anything
in this world.
The baptism of Jesus also affirms the importance of our own baptism. We
were not simply baptized for the sake of being baptized. There’s an important
responsibility attached to our baptism. Like Jesus we must also spread the good
news by sharing and living our faith.
Our baptism in the church is not just a ritual that we must go through.
It is a Sacrament that we must live and share. Are you living and sharing your
baptismal mission? - Marino J. Dasmarinas
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