READINGS FOR THE FEAST OF THE BAPTISM OF THE LORD, YEAR A, SUNDAY 8TH JANUARY, 2023
First Reading: Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7
Psalm: 28
Second Reading: Acts 10:34-38
Gospel: Matthew 3: 13-17
REFLECTION BY FR CORNELIUS NWAOGWUGWU, CM
THE FEAST OF THE BAPTISM OF THE LORD
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
Today is the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord. Today’s liturgical celebration marks the end of Christmas. Ordinary Time begins tomorrow, Monday, 9th January, 2023. Sunday Readings will be from Cycle A and Weekday Readings will be from Cycle 1. The Liturgical Colour during Ordinary Time is green which signifies the beginning of new life and a new ministry.
This new beginning of life and ministry resonate well with the prologue in St John’s Gospel that says: “In the beginning was the Word, the Word was with God, and the Word was God…The Word became flesh and dwelt among us…” (John 1:1-14). This Word made flesh, Jesus Christ, prepared himself for the ministry of bringing new life and salvation to humanity. It is pertinent to note that the Baptism of Jesus marked the beginning of His public ministry and a revelation of His identity as the Beloved Son of God.
The Gospel of Matthew narrates how Jesus was baptised by John the Baptist in the river Jordan and the signs that accompanies his Baptism. Before Jesus entered into His public ministry, He approached John the Baptist for Baptism. At this event, the three persons of the Blessed Trinity were present. The Gospel says, “As soon as Jesus was baptised, he came up from the water, and suddenly the heavens opened and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming down on him. And a voice spoke from heaven, ‘This is my Son, the Beloved; my favour rests on him.” (Matthew 3: 13-17)
In celebrating the Baptism of the Lord, we celebrate our own Baptism too. In line with this perspective, the Prophet Isaiah invites us to the rich banquet of life God provides for his people. The Prophet Isaiah urges us to seek the Lord while He is still to be found, call to Him while He is still near. (Isaiah 55:1-11).
We are God’s people by Baptism. In Baptism, we share in the life of God. We are to console each other as echoed by the Prophet Isaiah, “Console my people, console them’ says your God. ‘Speak to the heart of Jerusalem and call to her that her time of service is ended, that her sin is atoned for.” (Isaiah 40:1-5, 9-11).
St. John says that faith in Jesus leads us to console and love one another. This unconditional love gives us the ability to overcome evil. As God’s people by virtue of our Baptism, John advises us to lead holy and transparent Christian lives and to appreciate the Divine Presence in each other in love. (1 John 5:1-9)
We thank God for the graces we have received in Baptism that makes us members of the Mystical Body of Christ, the Church. Baptism enables us to share in the threefold nature of Jesus Christ: Prophet, Priest, and King. Baptism offers us God’s grace that enables us to live good lives in this present world.
Hence, celebrating the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord within the Mystical Body of Christ, offers us an opportunity to be more committed Christians. The Baptism of Jesus reminds us of our identity and who we are as children of God. By Baptism, we become sons and daughters of God, brothers and sisters of Jesus, members of His Church, heirs of Heaven, and temples of the Holy Spirit.
We are urged to renew our Baptismal promises, by rejecting evil and being obedient to Jesus Christ through the Church. We are called to be bearers of the Good News of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is important that we should sincerely express our faith in God through the Church.
May the grace we receive at Baptism help us to experience the presence of God within us and to acknowledge our own dignity as God’s children now and forever. Amen.
Fr. Cornelius Nwaogwugwu, CM