Today’s Scripture Readings

Gospel Reading

NRSV

— 13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan, to be baptized by him. John would have prevented him, saying, ‘I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?’ But Jesus answered him, ‘Let it be so now; for it is proper for us in this way to fulfil all righteousness.’ Then he consented. And when Jesus had been baptized, just as he came up from the water, suddenly the heavens were opened to him and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, ‘This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.’

The Feast of the Lord’s Baptism brings the Christmas season to an end, which is fitting, as this event in the life of Jesus both announces who he is and proclaims what he has come to achieve. Jesus is the beloved Son of the Father, Emmanuel — God with us. He is the Messiah, the one anointed with the Spirit, so that God’s righteousness and mercy may be revealed.

As the Son of God, he has no need of John’s baptism, a baptism that signifies the repentance of sin — hence John’s protest. Yet Jesus comes not for his own sake, but rather “to fulfil all righteousness” (Matthew 3:15). Here he acts on our behalf, making holy the waters of baptism, in which each Christian is reborn to new life. As the Gospel of Christmas Day proclaims: “to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God” (John 1:12).

God’s love for us is so great. Not only does he wash us clean in baptism, but he also calls us his children. As we share in Christ’s baptism, the heavens are opened for us as well. As the minister anoints us with oil, we receive the Holy Spirit and are commissioned to share in the dignity of Jesus’ mission. Above all, as we receive the gift of baptism, we should recognise in this the action of grace, for God proclaims of each of us: “You are my beloved, with whom I am well pleased” (Mt 3:17).