Today we
commemorate the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan. We are invited to fulfill our
baptismal promises and live our lives as those who have been transformed by the
power of the Holy Spirit.
In today’s
gospel, we see how Jesus was baptized by John in the Jordan River. This is a
momentous event as Jesus hears the voice, “This is my beloved son; with whom I am
well pleased.” What a wonderful sign of God’s abundant love. Everyone who was
there must have been flabbergasted. This voice from the heavens must have
astonished those present. It was a true sign of God’s abundant love for Jesus.
Baptism is a
beautiful event. A special moment. He made the choice to go to John and embrace
baptism. Jesus embraced baptism as he began his ministry. Baptism is a miracle
that transforms and empowers one to be courageous.
All of us who
have been baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit
must live as people full of the graces of God; although we have weaknesses and flaws,
we must always act as we are moved by the Holy Spirit.
To live as
people baptized in the Spirit of Jesus is to live sincerely as brothers and
sisters of all, loving God and neighbor, being honest and merciful, and sowing
peace and hope in this world full of selfishness, greed, disputes, and discord.
We are called to reach out in peace to others and to be models of Jesus’ love
and mercy. We are God’s beloved, and we are called to live out of that reality.
Today let us take time to think about being God’s beloved. What does this mean
for me? How am I called to share God’s love with all those I encounter?