Weekly Reflection

Baptism of the Lord Year C

“The Lord was Baptized, not to be cleansed Himself, but to cleanse the waters, so that those waters, cleansed by the flesh of Christ which knew no sin, might have the power of Baptism.”  -St. Ambrose of Milan.

In the first reading, the prophet Isaiah tells of the servant and his mission - "Here is my servant whom I uphold, my chosen one with whom I am pleased, upon whom I have put my spirit; he shall bring forth justice to the nations." St. Peter reflecting on the baptism of Cornelius, in the second reading, affirms that God is impartial because he is open to whoever accepts Him and acts uprightly. In the gospel reading, St. Luke describes the aftermath of the baptism of Jesus at the Jordan by John the Baptist. 

The baptism of the Lord, like the visit of the magi, is another epiphany of Jesus. His baptism is significant because it revealed His personality, mission, identification with sinners, and endorsement to begin his ministry. After His baptism at the river Jordan, the voice from heaven came, "You are my beloved Son; with you, I am well pleased." Jesus is the beloved Son of God, who came to reconcile us to His Father. He accepted baptism to identify with sinners and set an example for us. The baptism of the Lord was the inauguration of his mission. Through the Holy Spirit's descent, Jesus was commissioned to begin His ministry. 

Today's celebration reminds us of our identity in Christ and our mission in the world. By our baptism in Christ, we are sons and daughters of God called to share in his love. May the light of Christ continue to enlighten us to know, love, and serve God in humanity.

Catechism of the Catholic Church

CCC 528 - The baptism of Jesus is on his part the acceptance and inauguration of his mission as God’s suffering Servant. He allows himself to be numbered among sinners; he is already “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world”. Already he is anticipating the “baptism” of his bloody death. Already he is coming to “fulfil all righteousness”, that is, he is submitting himself entirely to his Father’s will: out of love he consents to this baptism of death for the remission of our sins. The Father’s voice responds to the Son’s acceptance, proclaiming his entire delight in his Son. The Spirit whom Jesus possessed in fullness from his conception comes to “rest on him”. Jesus will be the source of the Spirit for all mankind. At his baptism “the heavens were opened” – the heavens that Adam’s sin had closed – and the waters were sanctified by the descent of Jesus and the Spirit, a prelude to the new creation.

The Epiphany of the Lord Year C

“When they reached Bethlehem, the Magi adored the Divine Child and offered him symbolic gifts, becoming forerunners of the peoples and nations which down the centuries never cease to seek and meet Christ.” – Pope John Paul II

All the readings of today tell us of the epiphany of the Lord. Epiphany derives from the Greek word "Epiphaneia," meaning to appear, show up, or manifest. The Child born to us at Christmas is revealed today as the long-awaited Messiah whose humble visit by the Magi represents humanity's encounter with its savior. In the first reading,the prophet Isaiah foretells the impact of the Lord's glorious light and the presentation of the gifts of Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh to the King. In the second reading, St. Paul teaches about God's inclusive language – all listeners and doers of God's words are part of His people. The gospel reading narrates the magi's journey, led by the star, to pay homage to Jesus. The magi fulfilled Isaiah's prophecy in today's first reading, as they offered the gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to baby Jesus.

The magi's experience in finding Jesus is no less than our story. The wise men consulted King Herod for guidance when they lost sight of the star. Warned in their dream not to return to Herod, they departed another way. Like the magi, the light of faith leads us to God. We always need assistance to be on the right path through spiritual direction. Above all, listening to God's word and acting on it implies going to him in another way - letting go of our past. 

While the Magi from the East accept the message of the star, King Herod rejects the message of the Magi. What is our disposition towards the manifestation of Jesus as the Messiah and Savior of the world today? Will we accept or reject his message of Conversion? Let us recognize the universal presence of God, who came to unite us and expel the power of darkness of sin and death.

Catechism of the Catholic Church

CCC 528 - The Epiphany is the manifestation of Jesus as Messiah of Israel, Son of God and Savior of the world. The great feast of Epiphany celebrates the adoration of Jesus by the wise men (magi) from the East, together with his baptism in the Jordan and the wedding feast at Cana in Galilee. In the magi, representatives of the neighboring pagan religions, the Gospel sees the first-fruits of the nations, who welcome the good news of salvation through the Incarnation. The magi's coming to Jerusalem in order to pay homage to the king of the Jews shows that they seek in Israel, in the messianic light of the star of David, the one who will be king of the nations. Their coming means that pagans can discover Jesus and worship him as Son of God and Savior of the world only by turning towards the Jews and receiving from them the messianic promise as contained in the Old Testament. The Epiphany shows that "the full number of the nations" now takes its "place in the family of the patriarchs", and acquires Israelitica dignitas (is made "worthy of the heritage of Israel").