and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove
and coming upon him.
The Feast of the Baptism of Jesus Christ concludes Christmas season. And with this Baptism, the public ministry of Jesus begins. It ends the public ministry of John the Baptist.
Jesus was sinless and did not need the Baptism of Repentance. He did not need to turn away from sin. In his humility he united Himself to us by taking on our sins and suffering the consequences of sin. He longed to be with us so we could be united with Him.
Many important events took place at the Jordan River. Every event in the Bible has a theological significance. In Joshua 3:9, there was a parting of waters reminiscent of the parting of the waters in the Red Sea. This time it was the Jordan River. Knowing that God was with them, Joshua said that the Ark of the Covenant of the whole earth will precede the Israeli exiles into the Jordan. When the soles of the priests carrying the Ark of the Lord touched the water of the Jordan, it ceased to flow; for the water flowing down from upstream halted in a solid bank. As long as the Ark of the Covenant did not move, the Israelis were able to walk on dry land over to Jericho. (1)
And so this same River Jordan was the same place that Jesus was baptized. We are placed in time and location at the River Jordan. John the Baptist refused to baptize the Lord, but He insisted. Why? He said " Allow it now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness". Not for repentance as there is no need for Jesus to do so. (1)
At the Baptism of our Lord, we could see a threefold significance. His Baptism is a "sacred sign or symbol," a sacrament of His Death, Burial and Resurrection. It initiated the restoration and re-creation of the human nature and race. (1)
This time the waters were not split but the heavens were opened and the Holy Trinity was present. We can see the skies open up and hear, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased". All three persons were present. God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit in the form of the Dove. It was a new exodus established by Jesus for us, from the sinful human nature to the divine; from this life to the heavenly life; from earth to heaven; in fact heaven coming down to earth. (1)
May our Baptismal gifts of hope, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control help us share Jesus, His story of His good news for our salvation.
God Bless You.
(1) Homily by Father Michael J. Nguyen, C.Ss.R, January 7, 2023, as understood by one of his students.
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