+ The Feast of the Baptism of the Lord tells us two really astounding facts: that
Jesus is the Beloved Son of the Father
(and that we had better listen to him); and that after we listen, we are invited to respond to what we have
heard by becoming incorporated into his very life, by our own baptism, into
the Church that he set up for that very purpose. This makes us astoundingly
enough, not only members of his very own Body, but also adopted children of the
same Father, with Jesus as our elder brother, and each other as brothers and
sisters. Yes, we are God’s children –
for real and for sure! There is enough there to meditate on for the rest of
our lives!
Our readings today tell us how
Jesus’ baptism was not for the repentance of his sin (like the baptism of St.
John the Baptist) because Jesus never had any sin; Jesus was baptized for us, (in our stead, like everything
else that happened to him), demonstrating himself the way in which we are to be
incorporated into himself. But God the Father used the occasion for a great
show light and power when he thundered: THIS IS MY BELOVED SON! LISTEN TO
HIM! This is my beloved Son,
listen to him! Listen to him and respond to what you hear and you will have
everything you need for life here and hereafter: you will be able to have your
sins forgiven – when you ask for them to be; and you will be welcomed into
eternal life in the Father’s house at the end of your days on earth!
All
this: for listening and responding:
listening to the Scriptures, listening to the homilies, listening to the
teachings of the Church which are there for our guidance and our growth and
then responding in love – listening to the inner stirrings of our own minds and
hearts!
And it is not to his own
people alone that Jesus offers such salvation; but to the whole world – all the
nations, everywhere. This is very good news!
May we recall also that the
baptized one, whom we recall today, is also the Suffering Servant, the kind, gentle, loving, shepherd of the sheep:
who would change everything forever – but at the cost of his own life! Is it
even possible for God to die? Yes, yes, it is! Thankfully! and lovingly!
Thank you God, for being an
amazing elder brother – come to save us in Jesus; may we be true, authentic,
genuine and real adopted sons and daughters of the Father, and brothers and
sisters of you to whom we look for help, mercy and forgiveness but most of all:
lasting and permanent friendship and peace in your Kingdom!
The
Lord will bless his people with peace!
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