Title : The Baptism of Our Lord
My brothers and sisters,
On this the first Sunday after the Epiphany, we celebrate the Baptism of the Lord and renew our own Baptismal vows indicating the importance of Baptism in the life of Jesus and our own lives. It is important to note the difference and similarities between the Baptism of Jesus performed by John and our own baptism. Firstly, although John practised a baptism of repentance which is also an aspect of our own baptism, it is absent from Jesus’ baptism because he was sinless. Jesus submitted to the baptism of John in order to identify with our humanity; he is Emmanuel, God with us, and identifies with us at our Baptism, at the beginning and throughout our journey to Him.
Secondly, both Baptisms are means of identification and mission. Jesus was identified as the Son of God as he began his mission after being baptized, while we are made children of God and are commissioned to be God’s servants and witnesses.
Thirdly, in Christ’s Baptism and our own the Holy Spirit is imparted empowering us to fulfil the divine commission. We are affirmed and accepted as the children of God, commissioned and empowered for the ministry and mission to which God in Christ has called us in Baptism. The Spirit helps us to live a life that is pleasing to God.
May the light of God’s Incarnate Son shine in our lives enabling us to live “The Stewardship-Driven Life” based on the sub-theme of “Being More Than an Ordinary Servant in 2024.”
Yours in Mission,
Patrick +
