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January 8, 2025

Seeing our Baptism in a new light

Orthodox Christian priest and little child in the church. Epiphany ceremony rite and font

The account of Jesus’ baptism in this Sunday’s Gospel, marking the end of the Christmas Season, speaks powerfully to the disciples of Christ navigating the complexities of modern life.

Our world is often marked by uncertainty and searching. Luke’s opening accurately describes the people as having a “feeling of expectancy” and questioning whether John might be the Messiah. Today, many continue seeking signs of God’s presence amid the noise, bluster, and distractions of contemporary society.

John the Baptist’s humility offers a compelling model for modern Christian witness. In an age of self-promotion and social media influence, his insistence of pointing away from himself and toward Christ challenges us to examine how we can more authentically direct others to Jesus in our daily lives – whether in the workplace, on social platforms, or in our communities.

Humility can be a powerful value when truly lived. John’s words about being “not fit to undo the strap of his sandals” remind believers that true influence comes through humble service rather than self-aggrandizement.

When Luke describes Jesus praying as heaven opens and the Spirit descends, he presents a powerful image of divine-human connection that speaks to our contemporary hunger for authentic spiritual experiences.

 

Quiet time

Too many often express a feeling of being disconnected and isolated. But this scene should remind us that genuine prayer can still open heaven’s gates.

It encourages us to create space for prayer amid busy schedules and digital distractions, knowing that God continues to break through in moments of sincere devotion.

A good, daily habit we can all develop in the new year is to set the alarm early and, in the quiet of the morning, make that spiritual connection.

The physical manifestation of the Spirit as a dove offers hope to those who sometimes struggle to recognise God’s presence in their lives. God still makes Himself known through tangible means – particularly in the sacraments, but also through the beauty of creation, acts of kindness, and moments of grace in daily life.

Most significantly, the Father’s voice declaring Jesus as “my beloved Son” speaks to the contemporary crisis of identity. In a culture that often defines worth through achievement, appearance, or social status, this proclamation should remind us of our fundamental and inherent identity as beloved children of God in and through Baptism.

This truth can serve as an anchor for those struggling with self-worth or facing societal pressures to conform to worldly measures of success.

Something for Catholic parents raising children to consider in today’s challenging environment: this Gospel passage reinforces the importance of Baptism as more than just a family tradition or social ceremony – it’s not just a ‘Christening’.

It presents Baptism as the foundation of Christian identity and the beginning of a lifelong journey of faith. This perspective can help parents prioritise faith formation amid competing activities and influences in their children’s lives.

The public nature of Jesus’ Baptism can also be seen as a challenge to be more visible in our faith commitment. Some see T&T as becoming increasingly secular, with religious practice relegated to Sundays. But this scene encourages believers to acknowledge their Christian identity openly while respecting others’ beliefs. It calls us to be witnesses through our ethical choices, treatment of others, and willingness to speak about our lived faith when appropriate.

Finally, the Trinitarian dimension of Jesus’ Baptism – with Father, Son, and Spirit all present – calls us to live in relationship, not isolation.

This counters the individualism prevalent in modern culture and encourages believers to strengthen their connections to the family, church community and others in need of support and companionship.

In this Jubilee Year, may we see our own Baptism in a new light.