Pritam Dangwar csc
Readings: Is 42: 1-4, 6-7; Mt 1: 7-11
Today, we joyously celebrate the feast of the Baptism of our Lord Jesus, and the readings for today centre around the theme ‘chosen servant’.
The Prophet Isaiah underscores the chosen servant’s role as a light to the nations, anointed by God to establish justice and peace on earth. This chosen servant is depicted as a beacon of light and salvation for the people.
The gospel reading presents the baptism of Jesus Christ and the Father’s affirmation, declaring, “You are my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased” (Mt 1:7-11). In this sacred event, the dove symbolizes purity and the presence of the Holy Spirit. This event illustrates the divine relationship among God, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, a perfect unity. Through his baptism, Jesus sanctified water, imparting to it the power to purify and sanctify the humankind.
Furthermore, this significant event marks the commencement of Jesus’ public ministry, a mission entrusted to him by the Father. As we reflect on this, we are reminded of our own sacrament of baptism, where God called us his beloved children and selected us to fulfil his will throughout our lives. This celebration extends an invitation to us to maintain purity in our hearts, strengthen our relationship with God, and prepare ourselves for the work of God in our daily lives.