HOMILY FOR THE FEAST OF THE BAPTISM OF THE LORD

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Homily for the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord

Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7; Acts 10:34-38; Matthew 3:13-17.

The feast of the Baptism of the Lord marks the end of the Christmas season. From tomorrow the liturgy of the Catholic Church continues with the ordinary season of the year leading to Ash Wednesday which marks the beginning of Lent.

The First Reading describes the call, the gift of the Spirit and the mission of the "servant of the Lord".

St. Peter in the Second Reading tells us how the servant of the Lord, Christ Jesus carried out his mission. "He went about doing good and healing all that were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him" (Acts 10:34-38).

In today's Gospel, we recall the Baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist at River Jordan. We see the height of humility in Jesus, coming to John the Baptist for baptism. Absolutely in no need of baptism since he is without sin and the perfect Son of God, Jesus descends the River Jordan to be baptised by John. John protested, but Jesus insists, "Let it be so now; for thus it is fitting for us to fulfil all righteousness" (Matt.3:14). As the Messiah, the righteous One, Jesus has to fulfil the total will of God. Hence He agrees to be baptised.

By His baptism, he sanctified the waters of River Jordan, institutes the Sacrament of Baptism and leaves an example for all Christians that baptism is the gateway to beginning a life with God.

How faithful are we to our baptismal promises? Like Jesus as water is poured on our head, our life is exponentially transformed from something mortal to something immortal, from something material to something spiritual. What a mystery happening before our eyes. It is no longer we who live but Christ who lives in us. Through baptism, our personality and identity begins to develop as God's children. We begin to occupy an indispensable place in the history of salvation. Through baptism, Jesus brings in a changed relationship between us and God.

May God grant us the grace to be faithful to our baptismal promises of rejecting Satan and his empty promises through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Happy Sunday to you all

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