Reflection for Sunday January 12 The Baptism of the Lord: Luke 3:15-16, 21-22

Gospel: Luke 3:15-16, 21-22

The people were filled with expectation, and all were asking in their hearts whether John might be the Christ. John answered them all, saying, “I am baptizing you with water, but one mightier than I is coming. I am not worthy to loosen the thongs of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.”

After all the people had been baptized and Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit descended upon him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”

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Reflection:

A man wanted to become a Catholic, so he inquired about the process of membership. He was told that he needed to be baptized first. In addition, he was told that he needed to turn away from his life of sinfulness and be ready to help Jesus carry his cross.

Before the baptismal scene in the Gospel, John first called for repentance of sins as a way to prepare the way for Jesus. Those who responded to his call for repentance went to the River Jordan to be baptized by him, and they soon became John’s followers.

After everyone was baptized, Jesus also submitted Himself to baptism by John. During the process of Jesus' baptism, the Holy Spirit, in the form of a dove, descended upon Him. But why did Jesus submit Himself to John’s baptism when He could have easily avoided it? After all, He is the Son of God! Jesus underwent baptism because it was the will of God. Through His baptism, Jesus demonstrated solidarity with the people who had undergone the same baptism from John.

Through His baptism, Jesus was reaching out to us. He wanted to show that, although He could have easily avoided being baptized, He chose to undergo it as a way of immersing Himself with us and making Himself accessible to us. After His baptism, Jesus also began His ministry, which would ultimately lead Him to endure suffering, persecution, and the harrowing death on the cross.

By Jesus’ baptism we too are reminded about our own baptism. Baptism which call upon us to walk away from all forms of sinfulness. Baptism which reminds us to courageously spread and share our faith. Baptism which reminds us that like Jesus we should also be ready to go through the process of sufferings and sacrifices if need be. – Marino J. Dasmarinas