I can recall like yesterday the smell of chrism oil anointed on each of my babies’ heads – each one wearing the beautiful baptismal gown made by my mother from her own wedding dress. And though the smell won’t last forever, the candle may burn out, and the white gown may fade, I rest assured knowing that their sacrament of baptism surely endures.
As we reflect on Jesus’ Baptism, celebrated today, January 12th, I am humbled that He chose to once again meet us in our humanity. Christ did not need to be baptized by John. He was free from sin, the spotless lamb. So why then was he baptized?
Water has been used as a form of purification for centuries. The word baptism in Greek means immersed. It was and continues to be a part of Jewish culture to use ritual baths, called “mikvahs,” for spiritual cleansing. So, when John the Baptist used water to symbolize the cleansing of sins in those who had repented, they and others witnessing this act would have fully understood its meaning.
But the Baptism of Jesus changed everything. Jesus’ act of humble submission was a foreshadowing of his death on the cross. This moment marks the start of his public ministry and his full submission to the Father’s will. Through this submission, Jesus changed the waters for us. The whole Trinity is revealed as the heavens opened, the Holy Spirit descended as a dove, and the Father declared, “This is my beloved Son with whom I am well pleased.”
The Feast of the Baptism of the Lord challenges us to reflect on our own baptism. Just like the Father declared over Jesus that “you are mine,” through baptism we become God’s adopted children, and He declares that we are His. Jesus changed the waters so that we can be changed. Once baptized we are now members of His church and have access to the other sacraments. But it can’t stop there. Because of this we are called to walk on a lifelong journey seeking Him, serving others, and living as a witness.
Every time you dip your fingers in the holy water font and bless yourself, let it be a reminder not only of who you are, but whose you are.
AUTHOR: Sarah Basile, School Nurse