The Baptism of the Lord

Today is the Feast of the Baptism of our Lord.

Why was Jesus baptized? (Even John wondered, protesting that Jesus should baptize him instead.)

The Church has dated this Feast at the very end of the Christmas season, showing a link between the birth of Jesus and all that is to come through His ministry.

Just as Jesus came to be the ultimate revelation — the final Word, and to do for us what we could never do for ourselves — save us from our sins, the baptism of Jesus is one more “picture” of Jesus going before us and showing the way to follow.

Just as Jesus died for us, He was baptized for us. In His baptism He was further owning the humanity He shares with us in His Incarnation. In His baptism Jesus was being obedient to the Father as the perfect Son and getting the affirmation from the Father: This is my beloved Son.

Jesus' baptism starts for us what His death and resurrection fulfill.

Our baptism is meant to start in us the kind of obedience that leads us into the fullness of Jesus’ death and resurrection, which is our salvation.

Jesus was baptized for us so we can follow Him.

Christians are people who are following Jesus.