JESUS THE BELOVED SON OF THE FATHER
Introduction: Today we commemorate the great event in the life of Jesus: The baptism of Jesus at Jordan. It is a great turning point in the life of Jesus. For Him, it is a moment of identification with us sinners. Although Jesus was sinless, He identifies Himself with the whole humanity who are under the power of sin. It is a moment of conviction about His identity and Mission: That He is the Son of God and His Mission is to bring salvation to the fallen world. At His baptism Holy Spirit descends on Him and equips Him for the future Mission. The feast of Baptism of the Lord reminds us of our own baptism.
First Reading: Isaiah 42: 1 to 4 and 6 to 7
Second Reading: Acts 10: 34 to 38
Gospel Reading: Matthew 3: 13 to 17
*First reading is from the book of Prophet Isaiah. Isaiah speaks about the servant of the Lord God who will be an instrument of justice and peace to the people of God. This prophecy of Isaiah finds its fulfilment in Jesus who opens the eyes of the blind and liberates all those who are in prison and in darkness.
*Second reading is from the Acts of the Apostles. St. Peter testifies that Jesus was sent by God to preach the good news of peace to the people of Galilee and of Judea. After being baptised by John the Baptist, Jesus is anointed by the Holy Spirit to do works of healing and to set free those oppressed by the power of evil.
Baptism of Jesus at river Jordan Today's Gospel reading is from St. Matthew. An account of Jesus' baptism by John the Baptist is given. John initially shows unwillingness to baptise Jesus, saying: "I need to be baptised by you." Later, he agrees to baptise Jesus. During the baptism, Holy Spirit descends on Jesus like a dove and alights on Him. The heavens are opened and a voice from heaven proclaims: "This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased." Hence, the voice from heaven affirms that Jesus is the Son sent by God the Father. He does what is pleasing to the heavenly Father. The baptism of Jesus gives us the following messages: 1. Jesus identifies Himself with the sinful humanity although He is sinless. 2. He submits Himself to the will of the Father. 3. God the Father approves the ministry of Jesus by empowering Him with the power of the Holy Spirit. Our baptism is very much related to the baptism of Jesus. For us, baptism is a door and once we enter through that door, our lives are never the same. By our baptism we become members of God's family. Hence by baptism, we are choosing a life like that of Jesus. We too become sons and daughters of the heavenly Father. At our baptism, we too were anointed by the Holy Spirit and are empowered.
Conclusion: The baptism of Jesus should remind us the following: Our true identity; who we are and what we are. By baptism we become sons and daughters of God the Father, brothers and sisters of Jesus. It should remind us of our own mission to experience the presence of God within us and transmit that experience to other humans and the world around us. It is a day to thank God for the graces we have received in baptism, to renew our baptismal promises and to bring God's love and mercy to others in search of the divine.
May God, our heavenly Father, bless you with His heavenly blessings and announce that "This is my beloved son/ beloved daughter, in whom I am well pleased." Amen.
(Kindly note: Sunday Reflections with Fr. Joy Joseph is available on YouTube. Please view, like, share and subscribe to the video version on YouTube. "YouTube/Sunday Reflections with Fr. Joy Joseph, January 11, 2026." Thanks.)
