The Baptism of the Lord - Year C - The Baptism of the Lord & “Baptized in Water”
The Liturgy last week revealed the mystery of God’s plan: in Jesus, all peoples, symbolized by the Magi, have been made “co-heirs” to the blessings promised to Israel. This week, we’re shown how we claim our inheritance.
Jesus doesn’t submit to John’s baptism as a sinner in need of purification. He humbles himself to pass through the River Jordan’s waters in order to lead a new “exodus”—opening up the promised land of heaven so that all peoples can hear the words pronounced over Jesus today, words once reserved only for Israel and its king: that each of us is a beloved son or daughter of God.
Jesus is the chosen servant Isaiah prophesies in today’s First Reading (Isa. 40:1-11), anointed with the Spirit to make things right and just on earth. God puts His Spirit upon Jesus to make him “a covenant of the people,” the liberator of the captives, a light to the nations. Jesus, today’s Second Reading tells us (Titus 2:11-14), is the One long expected in Israel, “anointed . . . with the Holy Spirit and power.” The word messiah means “one anointed” with God’s Spirit. The prophets taught Israel to await a royal offshoot of David, upon whom the Spirit would rest.
That’s why the crowds are so anxious at the start of this weekend’s Gospel (Luke 3:15-22). But it isn’t John they’re looking for. God confirms with His own voice what the angel earlier told Mary: Jesus is the Son of the Most High, come to claim the throne of David forever. In the Baptism that He brings, the voice of God will hover over the waters as a fiery flame, as we sing in today’s Psalm (Ps. 103). He has sanctified the waters, making them a passageway to healing and freedom—a fountain of new birth and everlasting life.
In honor of the Baptism of the Lord, we’d like to share our latest video with you. “Baptized in Water” is a Christian hymn rich in baptismal images and scriptural allusions. The opening stanza draws upon several passages including Hebrews 1:14: “Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?” Stanza two reflects the image of dying and rising with Christ. We are “dead in the tomb with Christ, our King.” Then we are “one in his rising, freed and forgiven....”
Video can be watched by clicking here or on the picture below:
