Christmas Weekday
In today’s Gospel, we read of Jesus’ baptism in the Jordan river at the hands of John the Baptist. What a beautiful event to reflect on, calling to mind our own baptism. Being that I was an infant when I was baptized, I don’t have a visual memory of my own baptism. However, each time we dip our fingers into the holy water font and make the sign of the cross, we reenact the grace poured forth from our baptismal promises. Baptism draws us into relationship with God–Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. With the water representing the cleansing of our soul, we receive the great grace of our good and gracious God.
But wait, why does Jesus need to be baptized? He who is divine, the son of God is without sin and therefore has no need to be baptized. We know why everyone else was showing up. We know why you and I belong on the banks of the Jordan River. We need to deal with our sins. The very clear message of John the Baptist throughout his ministry is shouting for all to repent. I need to own up to my shortcomings. But why is Jesus here? Because he is Emmanuel, God with us. Jesus entered into our dysfunction to show us the way to the Father. Jesus is here to carry the sin of the world. His baptism in water is simply a foreshadowing of his blood shed on the cross bearing our sins so that we might have eternal life. “This is the one who came through water and Blood, Jesus Christ, not by water alone, but by water and Blood.” (1 Jn 5:6a)
“God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his son.” (1 Jn 5:11) Being a Christian is not just about being a good person; anyone is capable of being nice. Regardless of your religious identity, anyone can do the right thing. To be a Christian is to buy into the life of God, the life of Christ. We are members of the body of Christ. “Whoever possesses the Son has life; whoever does not possess the Son of God does not have life” (12). And a voice came from the heavens, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased” (Mk 1:11). We “have eternal life, [we] who believe in the name of the Son of God.” (1 Jn 5:13) Praise the Lord!
Peace,
Brandon Meyer