Baptism of the Lord: Mission revealed

"It is fitting to fulfill all righteousness"

Word: http://usccb.org/bible/readings/011220.cfm

If you’ve ever pondered the question as to why Jesus was baptized you would be exactly in sync with the early Church which asked that same question. John preached a baptism of repentance from sin.  If Jesus submitted to John’s baptism, he must have been with sin. Yet, if our claim that Jesus is divine is true, how could he be with sin? And, if he is without sin, why would he be baptized?  So goes the issue round and round.

The Gospel passage from Matthew this Sunday uncovers the surprise of John that Jesus would present himself for baptism, seen as a purification ritual by John: “I need to be baptized by you, and yet you are coming to me?”

John recognized something unique about Jesus. First, that he was superior to John.  Ever aware of his call and purpose, he saw in Jesus the one greater than he, who would come after him.   So, John’s reference may not be so much indicating the sinless condition of Jesus but rather his superior status before John.  Nonetheless, Jesus comments about “. . . fulfill all righteousness” refers more to the will of the Father; that it was right for Jesus to be baptized, to fulfill his Father’s desire and in that way, make baptism forever a means of sanctification for all who would undergo the same ritual.

In confirmation of that submission by Jesus, the Spirit of God descends upon him “like a dove.” In a gentle way, not in some frightening clap of thunder or intimidating voice from heaven that overwhelms the crowd. Although a voice was heard, the indicator is of sonship; of pleasure and affirmation upon Jesus as he reveals his public mission to the world. 

As we come to the end of this year’s liturgical Christmas season our attention now turns to another scene of uncovering the person of Christ.  The Magi last week reminded us of Jesus’ future mission open to the wider world beyond Israel, that of the Gentiles.  Today’s Baptism of the Lord reminds us of the process through which the curtains were drawn open for the world to receive the long awaited Savior. No more an infant in a manger or a young child with his mother, now the adult Jesus appears in a very public manner to begin his mission of justice, peace, reconciliation, healing, and reaching out to the marginalized. Although the cross remains a future shadow all points to that ultimate moment of confrontation with death and its power to be destroyed in the resurrection, giving hope to all humanity.  

Hundreds of years before Jesus’ coming, we hear Isaiah today speak: “Here is my servant whom I uphold, my chosen one with whom I am well pleased, upon whom I have put my spirit . . .” The curtains are open and the spotlight quickly shifts from John to Jesus as John fades from the scene.  Jesus is the One.

 This is a further epiphany which uncovers the nature of this mysterious God-Man and the meaning of his mission.  Further, his first miracle, the wedding at Cana and water changed to wine, stands first in line in epiphanies.  It reveals the truth of who Jesus is and uncovers part of that mystery. He is indeed God from God and light from light as we state in our Creed yet he is also fully human. His sinless condition did not make baptism necessary for him but for our sake it did.  In the act of submission to John’s baptism Jesus reveals to us not only who he is but in the same way who we are and what we are called to be. In being baptized our Lord took upon himself our sinful nature and joined himself to us in the full experience of human life.  This great act of mercy for humanity is profound.

Jesus showed us the better side of human nature and what direction our lives must turn to; what God’s intent is for us. That sin and selfishness, greed and pride, violence and hatred should not rule our world.  Jesus’ own entrance into our history makes all that possible by the Gospel he revealed to us.  His entrance on our stage is a new light, the brightest light to follow and emulate.  Compassion, mercy, love, healing are virtues of strength not weakness. That God wishes solidarity with all of humanity and offers to send his Holy Spirit to all who seek it and live by it.

In the end we cannot help this day to recall the power of our own baptism.  We were washed clean of sin as the power of the Spirit descended upon us.  Likely in a less dramatic way but nonetheless in a real presence, made possible by Jesus’ own submission.  But it begs the question as to our life beyond baptism whether as an infant or later in life.  This was not a once and finished event of the Lord; this inaugurated his mission to the world.  Yes, it points to all of us who are called to move forward. Our mission then is that of Christ himself and the Spirit received in baptism compels us outward to be missionaries of the Gospel of Christ himself. “Missionary disciples” as our Holy Father has coined.  Maybe a question can help us.

Have you ever found yourself disappointed, frustrated, or confused by what may seem indifference on God’s part?  In other words, I pray and nothing happens.  We plea: “God why don’t you act?  What are you waiting for?” Maybe the answer comes back to us: “Why don’t YOU act?”  Why don’t you use the gifts, talents, opportunities I have given you?” Miracles do happen and there is nothing wrong asking God to act in this manner but the norm is that he works in and through us.  We are his hands, feet, speech.  We “Glorify him by our lives” as we often hear at the dismissal at Mass.

Baptized into the Mystical Body of Christ, the Church, we live out our mission entrusted to us each day.  When we come before the Lord, I truly believe we will be judged by how we used what God gave us.   Did we squander everything away? Did we live selfishly for ourselves or have we generously engaged others seeking the common good rather than our own pleasure.  I don’t mean financial resources as much as the active service to others after the example of Christ himself.  As we live out our mission, he goes with us so that the world may continue to be transformed and the good news of the Gospel is never silenced.   

During a weekly Sunday Angelus at St. Peter’s, Pope Francis stated the same reminder: “We Christians must do this: replace malice with innocence, replace power with love, replace pride with humility, and replace status with service.  Being disciples of the Lord means . . . not assuming closed attitudes but rather proposing the Gospel to everyone; bearing witness by our lives that following Jesus makes us freer and more joyous.” (Angelus: 1/19/14).

In the Holy Eucharist we are intimately joined to Christ as our Word and our food.  Likewise we stand in solidarity with each other in forgiveness, love, support and our spiritual life.  Here we are strengthened to go out and be truly human after the example of Jesus in the world of today. 

Almighty ever-living God,

who, when Christ had been baptized in the River Jordan

and as the Holy Spirit descended upon him, 

solemnly declared him your beloved Son, 

grant that your children by adoption, 

reborn of water and the Holy Spirit, 

may always be well pleasing to you. 

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, 

who lives and reigns with you, 

in the unity of the Holy Spirit, 

one God for ever and ever. 

(Collect of Feast)