You are My Beloved

01-13-2019Weekly ReflectionFr. Julius Kundi

Today we reflect on Jesus' baptism. For some time now we have been talking and celebrating Jesus as an infant. Today we begin celebrating Him as an adult. This we begin with His first public appearance as an adult, his baptism by John the Baptist in the river Jordan.

The baptism of Jesus is an important event in each of the gospels, heralding as it does the beginning of Jesus’ public life and marking him out as the beloved of God. Luke’s account of the baptism as we read today does not focus on the event itself but on its aftermath: the descent of the Holy Spirit on Jesus while he was at prayer and the revelation of His identity as the Beloved Son of God.

We all know that the mystery of the Baptism of the Lord–with His Epiphany–are at the heart of faith. Our faith teaches us that Jesus' baptism is a vital moment in our story of salvation, where he joined with humanity in the humble outreach to God, and where the Father and the Spirit are seen and heard to bethere with him. Our gospel says that “the heavens were opened,” and this could be interpreted as a powerful statement of the point of the contact between heaven and earth. And with the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon him, Jesus began a special journey which he invites all of us to travel with Him. He began a journey full of purpose and intent. To fulfill a destiny as he carries out the will of His Father to redeem humanity.

Through baptism, each of us received new identity as a beloved son or daughter of God and it is an awareness of this reality which becomes the driving force in our lives as Christians. Each of us is invited through baptism to have a sense of purpose and pattern in life. The image of God as shepherd anddefender is one that we need to consider as we recall our own baptism, for the God who calls us is not some distant disembodied voice but the parent, friend and guide who says to us ‘you are my beloved’. St. Luke reveals that It was while at prayer Jesus became aware of the power of the Spirit within him and today we too are invited to pray for an understanding of what the Holy Spirit is offering us and asking of us. Whatever ministry the Holy Spirit is calling you to, never forget that you have already been anointed with that same Holy Spirit at baptism as Jesus was in the Jordan to witness.

Know also that Baptism in Christ is an invitation to recognize in Jesus, not just a good man, not just a good teacher, not just a compassionate human being but as the one, unique and only God who has come to save us. Therefore if we are baptized in Him, let us share His mercy and walk with faith. This is the greatest witness we can give to the redeeming glory of God we all received when we were baptized.

Grace and peace be upon you!
Fr. Julius