- Feb 5, 2002
- 180,592
- 65,100
- Country
- United States
- Gender
- Female
- Faith
- Catholic
- Marital Status
- Married
- Politics
- US-Others
Today is Jan. 12, the Solemnity of the Baptism of the Lord.
At today’s Mass, we read, “After all the people had been baptized and Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, heaven was opened and the holy Spirit descended upon him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, ‘You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased'” (Lk 3:22-23).
Maybe you’ve found 2025 off to a rough start. Attacks in New Orleans and Las Vegas, ongoing wars in Europe and the Middle East and countless other trials may make it difficult to laud our newborn king, the Prince of Peace. As we conclude the Christmas season, we ask: Where is his peace?
In reflecting on the Baptism of Christ, we are drawn into the profound mystery of what Jesus brought into the world. Joseph Ratzinger, the late Pope Benedict XVI, tells us: “Jesus has brought God, and now we know his face, now we can call upon him. Now we know the path that we human beings have to take in this world.” This truth resonates powerfully in the scene at the Jordan River we reflect on today.
At first glance, the Baptism of Jesus might seem puzzling. Why would the sinless Son of God submit to a baptism of repentance? In the act of descending into the waters, Jesus revealed his mission: not to be separate from humanity but to stand with us, to take upon himself the weight of our sins. The heavens open, the Spirit descends like a dove, and the Father proclaims, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17). In this moment, the Trinity is revealed, and Jesus begins his public ministry, bringing God’s presence into the world in a new and transformative way.
Continued below.
www.oursundayvisitor.com
At today’s Mass, we read, “After all the people had been baptized and Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, heaven was opened and the holy Spirit descended upon him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, ‘You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased'” (Lk 3:22-23).
Maybe you’ve found 2025 off to a rough start. Attacks in New Orleans and Las Vegas, ongoing wars in Europe and the Middle East and countless other trials may make it difficult to laud our newborn king, the Prince of Peace. As we conclude the Christmas season, we ask: Where is his peace?
In reflecting on the Baptism of Christ, we are drawn into the profound mystery of what Jesus brought into the world. Joseph Ratzinger, the late Pope Benedict XVI, tells us: “Jesus has brought God, and now we know his face, now we can call upon him. Now we know the path that we human beings have to take in this world.” This truth resonates powerfully in the scene at the Jordan River we reflect on today.
At first glance, the Baptism of Jesus might seem puzzling. Why would the sinless Son of God submit to a baptism of repentance? In the act of descending into the waters, Jesus revealed his mission: not to be separate from humanity but to stand with us, to take upon himself the weight of our sins. The heavens open, the Spirit descends like a dove, and the Father proclaims, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17). In this moment, the Trinity is revealed, and Jesus begins his public ministry, bringing God’s presence into the world in a new and transformative way.
What did Jesus bring to the world?
Continued below.
If Jesus didn't bring world peace, what did he bring?
Explore the Baptism of the Lord and its message: Jesus brings God into the world, revealing peace and offering us a path to eternal life.
www.oursundayvisitor.com
