Today we celebrate the baptism of Jesus.
Jesus is coming like a normal person to John to be baptized.
John resists at first and was reluctant to allow it.
But Jesus wants the justice to be done.
He makes him equal to other people:
to the sick, the poor people who gathered before John.
Many theologians understand this passage as the “Call” or “rebirth” of Jesus -
It is the fulfilment of the prophet Isaiah:
“I, the LORD, have called you for the victory of justice, I have grasped you by the hand; I formed you, and set you as a covenant of the people, a light for the nations.
To open the eyes of the blind, to bring out prisoners from confinement, and from the dungeon, those who live in darkness“
It is from the first reading.
Yes, Jesus is then available or the people who needed him.
As a healer, a comforter, as a teacher, he lives with them.
Jesus is changing or is revealing at his baptism:
He comes in human form and returns from the water as the Son of God, confirmed by God.
He says “yes” to his “Call”:
The call, to proclaim the kingdom of God.
The call to show justice and mercy of God
He becomes one among them and shows his solidarity with the poor, the sick and sinners.
A few days ago we celebrated his “Epiphany” and have announced that Jesus came as God and man to us.
In his baptism, we believe in his revelation as the Son of God.
My dear friends,
this is not only the "call to Jesus."
It is also our "true call and destiny"
The call to be transformed as the Children of God.
How can we become children of God?
Our participation and commitment is needed for that.
This can start in the Church and in Prayers.
That grows in the family.
Then it will be “reaching” the people in form of Charity.
The baptism in the Jordan means change.
God strengthened and renewed Jesus with his Holy Spirit.
It reveals him as his beloved son.
Encouraged by this experience, Jesus begins his public ministry.
His words and his deeds were proclaiming the people, from the love of God.
Everything he does get “the Seal of God”, his blessings.
He works in the "name of God."
Also, we too received this love of God in our heart: in our Baptism and Confirmation. No baptized Christian stands alone.
Every human being is divinely assisted.
God is with us and he shows us his love in his Sacrament.
As receivers, we must learn to give that love to others,
which we received from God.
Then, after the baptism of Jesus went to the people,
who were in need to help them.
Let's celebrate today in this church that God's love for his people,
by listening to his word and receiving him in Sacrament.
God bless us all! Amen.
-
Fr Thomas Kalathil
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