January 10, 2010
FEAST OF THE BAPTISM OF THE LORD
10 JANUARY 2010, 5:15, 8:00, 10:30
READINGS:
SAINT MARY PARISH, VIROQUA
Introduction: The Feast of the Baptism of the Lord is like a bridge; it is the final day of the Christmas Season; it is also the First Sunday in Ordinary Time.
1. But we celebrate this feast with a question. Why does Jesus need to be baptized? John administered a baptism of repentance, but Jesus had no sins. Baptism takes away our Original Sin, but Jesus wasn’t subject to Original Sin. So, why was he baptized? There are several reasons. First of all, this moment launches his public ministry. He leaves the Jordan to dwell and pray in the desert for 40 days. After that he begins to teach and perform miracles throughout Israel.
There’s another reason for his baptism. It is a symbol of the main journey of his life. As Jesus goes down into the Jordan River and rises up from that river, so also will he one day enter the tomb. Then, he will rise from that tomb to new and resurrected life, victorious over sin. This event symbolizes the main journey of his life. Furthermore, Jesus sets the pattern for our own lives. He tells us that we too must rise up from selfishness and sin to the new life that comes only from him.
2. Our baptisms too have a richness that we often overlook. Baptism is much more than just the removal of original sin. First, our baptism is an initiation rite; we are initiated into the people of God. That’s why it’s best to celebrate the sacrament during Mass. The community into which we are baptized is present to welcome us. Secondly, our baptism is a call to discipleship. Our baptism should make a difference in how we live. By the way we live society should be able to distinguish us from everyone else. Imagine if you were arrested for being a Christian, and the courts had to dismiss the case for lack of evidence! If we are baptized, we should live as children of God. Nothing less! Thirdly, the baptized person is commissioned to do ministry. Someone once put it this way: “The ministry of Jesus did not end when he ascended into heaven; it continues through us!” We minister in the Church and in society to make both better communities.
3. How important is our baptism! Years ago after a pope was newly enthroned a friend said to him, “This must be the most important day of your life.” “No,” the new pope replied. “The most important day of my life was the day of my baptism!” There’s something else in the gospel that should inspire us. “A voice from heaven was heard to say, ‘You are my beloved Son; on you my favor rests.’” Only twice in the New Testament do we hear the Father speak; those times are at his baptism and at his Transfiguration. The words are virtually the same. “You are my beloved Son.” Those words are spoken by the Father at every baptism.
Conclusion: So, the next time you enter church, as you dip your hand into those miniature baptismal fonts, think of your initiation into God’s life; think of your call to be a disciple; think of your commission to do ministry. Then, hear those words spoken to you each day by the Father. “You are my beloved son; you are my beloved daughter. On you my favor rests.”