The Baptism of the Lord B: January 10, 2021

                    MY BELOVED SON

First Reading : Isaiah 42: 1-4, 6-7

Second Reading: Acts 10: 34-38

Gospel Reading: Mark 1: 7-11

   * First reading is from the book of Prophet Isaiah . Isaiah speaks of a new and permanent relationship which the Lord God will make with all humanity through His servant. He gives the picture of a true servant of God. He is gentle and humble of heart who is dedicated to his mission which is to bring about true liberation to all who are oppressed. This prophecy of Isaiah finds its fulfilment in Jesus. 

   *Second reading is from the Acts of the Apostles. The author says that God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power so that He could fulfill the mission entrusted to Him. In this passage we have a short description of how the early Church understood baptism. Like Jesus, a baptized person is seen to be anointed with the Holy Spirit and with power from above. 

Baptism of Jesus at Jordan                                                           Today's Gospel reading is from St. Mark. It gives some details of the  baptism of Jesus in the river Jordan. With some reluctance and reservations  John the Baptist baptized Jesus. With His baptism Jesus' true identity is revealed publicly. He is given power for His mission entrusted to Him by the heavenly Father. Jesus was baptized to fulfill God's plan for the salvation of humankind. Jesus did not have to be baptized to be free from sin unlike other humans because He was never under the power of sin.                                              When Jesus came out of the water the heavens were opened and the Spirit of the Lord descended on Him and a voice from heaven proclaimed, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased." Hence Jesus is seen as one in whom the prophecies of the Old Testament are fulfilled. It is a declaration that in Jesus all the hopes and longings of the past are accomplished. Jesus is the Son of God and the Spirit of God rested on Him. He will begin His ministry with Father's authority and love.                                          Through baptism we too are united with Jesus and share in His mission. 

"In baptism, the form of Christ's death is impressed upon his own." - Dietrich Bonhoeffer.

"Just as a man cannot live in the flesh unless he is born in the flesh, even so man cannot have the spiritual life of grace unless he is born again spiritually. This regeneration is effected by baptism." - St. Thomas Aquinas. 

"Baptism is an outward expression of an inward faith." - W. Nee.