Baptism: Standing with Jesus, and a Call to Action
As we celebrate baptism, we recall how the waters of baptism are meant to link us to Jesus, so that while we still deal with the sinful choices we make at times in the future, we are no longer claimed by original sin, but are now part of the Church, and part of the Body of Christ. The water also symbolizes the washing away of any sins for the person being baptized (though of course an infant isn’t capable of sinning, but many are baptized who are older).
With that in mind, as today we celebrate the Baptism of the Lord, if you think about it, it’s kind of an odd feast to end the Christmas season, isn’t it? For, why would Jesus seek baptism? Doesn’t it remove sin? But Jesus had no sin. So, why would He start His mission by visiting John? The answer is because He freely chooses to identify with us. In essence, by His baptism, Jesus is identifying with us entirely. He stands in line like one of the many other sinners who came to John and embraces humanity on His shoulders. He then leaves from that baptism and embarks on His mission to transform the world.
It’s a very powerful Gospel scene and appropriately concludes the Christmas story. Just as by becoming one of us, our God embraces us with love, He now stands by us in our sinfulness and does exactly what one should do after a baptism: He continues His relationship to the Father, and, through His ministry, makes God’s love known.
The question for us as we pack away the Nativity scene figurines is to reflect on what our baptism means for us, and hopefully it’s something we live out daily. Think to the baptisms you’ve been a part of. Remember the lit candle? That signifies the light of Christ coming into that young person’s life. As we age, we have to do what we can to fan that flame in our hearts and do the same for one another. So, what does that look like? It means trying to take our faith to the next level by coming to Mass weekly, despite a hectic schedule to have that encounter with God in the Word and in the Eucharist. It means trying to incorporate prayer in our daily lives, for even if it’s just a few minutes at the end or start of the day, I think it’s important to reflect on not only those areas of our lives we want to work on, but on those things we are doing well, and ask for God’s help as we continue the journey of life. And it means passing the faith on by being an evangelizer. Some of the most powerful ways we bring people to God are through the many seemingly “ordinary” moments in life – but never forget what a powerful testament to the faith staying up late to help a son or daughter with homework, giving of time to volunteer at the parish, shoveling an elderly neighbor’s walk, or making time for prayer can be. In so many of these “little” things, we can not only deepen our faith but do the same for one another.
I hope your New Year is off to a great start and brings you many blessings. As ordinary time kicks in, have a great year, and never forget that ordinary moments can indeed be so extraordinary.
God bless!
Fr. Paul
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January 11, 2026