Our own baptism gives us sanctifying grace, the grace to be holy and pleasing to God.
Sunday, Jan. 11, is the Baptism of the Lord. Mass readings: Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7; Psalm 29:1-2, 3-4, 3, 9-10; Acts 10:34-38; Matthew 3:13-17.
The Baptism of the Lord is a time to reflect on not only the Lord’s baptism but our own. In an extended sense, when Christ is baptized, so are we, for we are members of his body. As Christ enters the water, he makes holy the water that will baptize us. He enters the water, and we follow. In these waters, he acquires gifts to give us. Let’s examine today’s Gospel in three stages.
The Fraternity of Baptism
When John objects, Jesus says,
“Allow it now, for thus it is fitting for us.”
Even though he never sinned, Jesus identifies with sinners; he says “us.” As he comes to the bank of the river, he is not embarrassed or ashamed that some people might think him a sinner (though he was not). He accepts being seen in the company of sinners.
Jesus freely enters the waters knowing that anyone who does not know him will count him among the sinners. Jesus ate with sinners, something many of the religious leaders found scandalous. Jesus was known as a friend of sinners. He had pity on the woman caught in adultery. He allowed a sinful woman to touch him and anoint his feet. He cast out demons and fought for sinners. He suffered and died for sinners in a manner reserved for the worst of criminals.
The Foreshadowing of Our Baptism
In accepting baptism, Jesus does not enter the water alone. He takes us with him. As the Head of the Body, he goes where the members will follow. Mystically and truly, when Christ entered the waters that day, we entered with him and he obtains our baptism. Scripture says,
we are members of Christ’s body (Ephesians 5:30).
The Four Gifts of Baptism
The text says,
the heavens were opened for him, and … the Spirit of God descended like a dove, And a voice came from the heavens, saying, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”
Jesus acquires four gifts on our behalf:
Access: The heavens and paradise were closed to us after original sin, but at Jesus’ baptism, they are opened.
Anointing: Here, too, Jesus acquires the gift of the Holy Spirit for us. At our baptism we are not just washed of sins, but we also become temples of the Holy Spirit. After our baptism we are anointed with chrism, signifying the presence of the Holy Spirit.
Acknowledgment: In our baptism we become the children of God. Because we become members of Christ’s body, we now have the status of sons of God: You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ (Galatians 3:26).
Approval: Jesus had always pleased his Father, but now he acquires this gift for us as well. Our own baptism gives us sanctifying grace, the grace to be holy and pleasing to God.
Consider well the glorious gift of your baptism. If you don’t know the date, find out. It should be a day as highly celebrated as your birthday.