The Baptism Of The Lord

 

The baptism of our Lord opened up a new chapter.

Reflection on Today’s Readings, the Feast of Baptism of the Lord, Monday 8th January, 2024
Texts: Isaiah 55:1-11; Canticle Isaiah 12; 1 John 5:1-9 

We celebrate, today, the baptism of the Lord. Baptism is a rite of initiation, it introduces us into a new life. This is not different for Jesus; His baptism introduced Him into public ministry. The baptism of our Lord opened up a new chapter not only in His life but for the whole world. It opens up the chapter of God’s grace and truth. Hence, St. John says, “And we have seen his glory, the glory as of a Father’s only son, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14). John the Baptist tells us it is the era of baptism with the Holy Spirit.  

Jesus Christ speaks of the era thus: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour” (Luke 4:18-19). It is also an era of self-revelation for Christ. This is clear in His words: “The works which the Father has granted me to accomplish, these very works which I am doing, bear me witness that the Father has sent me” (John 5:36). 

Baptism is free for all; it is without charge

Today’s first reading also reveals some truths about baptism. First, baptism is free for all; it is without charge. Hence, we read, "Ho, every one who thirsts, come to the waters; and he who has no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.” We learn from the reading that baptism is not only a about water; there is also a form of words by which we are cleansed. We read, “Listen diligently to me, and eat what is good, and delight yourselves in fatness. Incline your ear, and come to me; hear, that your soul may live”. 

We also see that we enter into covenant with God by baptism. This is clear in the words: “Incline your ear, and come to me; hear, that your soul may live; and I will make with you an everlasting covenant, my steadfast, sure love for David.” The covenant is after that of David; it is everlasting and based on steadfast, sure love for us. 

We are glorified with the Holy Spirit

The reading also hints on the threefold ministry we receive through baptism: Priest, prophet and king. We read, “Behold, I made him a witness to the peoples, a leader and commander for the peoples. Behold, you shall call nations that you know not, and nations that knew you not shall run to you, because of the  Lord your God, and of the Holy One of Israel, for he has glorified you.” We are glorified with the Holy Spirit.  

Baptism also involves repentance. This is clear in the words of prophet Isaiah: "Seek the  Lord while he may be found, call upon him while he is near; let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the  Lord, that he may have mercy on him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.” Baptism is the time to repent and return to the Lord.  

Prayer 

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. Amen 

Fr. Andrew Olowomuke