Walking with Jesus: The Baptism of the Lord C

For Sunday, January 12, 2025

Isaiah 40:1-5, 9-11; Titus 2:11-14, 3:4-7; Luke 3:15-16, 21-22


Today we are given more insight into Jesus’ and God’s plan for the world that has been hidden of sorts since the beginning of creation. We begin with a question we might have wondered about: What is the Trinity all about? How come I haven’t heard much about it in Scripture I’ve read ... did Jesus explain it? Today’s readings set the stage, helping us in our Trinity search!

The account of the Baptism of Jesus gives us a definitive glimpse into the Trinity:

• John the Baptist explains that he is not the Messiah … and he points to Jesus, the Word-made-flesh. God’s promised one — the Savior — the Messiah — come to save the world from Rome, the conquering country? No, but to save humanity from our sin and the temptations Satan sends our way. Jesus, God the Son: the second person of the Trinity.
• The Holy Spirit descends on Jesus at the Jordan: The expectation that fills the people is eschatological, meaning the final destiny of the soul and humankind. They are looking for the promised anointed one — the Savior and Messiah — this is God’s plan, somehow initiated by the Spirit, seen graphically by the heavens being opened. The Holy Spirit: the third person of the Trinity.
• The voice of the Father unites this scene as one: ”You are My beloved Son; with You I am well pleased.” [Luke3:22] Luke’s account more explicitly connects God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. Imagine this “introduction:” We all have been to dinners and events where famous individuals have been introduced and presented. This is the BIGGEST. Just reflecting on it brings me shivers, and I’m asking myself: Am I paying attention to this? Do I realize that God is telling me how important creation and my life are? Nothing is an accident; there are no coincidences. GOD is responsible for all — it’s all about HIS LOVE for you and me. God the Father: the first person of the Holy Trinity.

Isaiah 40 is the opening line of what scholars call “Second Isaiah.” These chapters are from an unknown prophet who lived during the Exile, the period in Jewish history where a large number of influential, powerful and skilled Judeans were forcibly relocated to Babylon (modern-day Iraq). The prophet orders that a “word of comfort” be announced to the people. WHY? God’s punishment for their sins is over. God will now come to them and lead them in an exodus more glorious than the first. This isn’t just about being freed from Babylon; it involves each of us and all humanity. It is announced by Jesus’ birth, His baptism in the Jordan, His preaching, His miracles, His life, His passion, His death, His resurrection and His ascension, and HE is the one who has opened heaven to each of us. Am I listening? Am I responding today, or am I waiting? Why would I wait? The time for action is now — our future isn’t yet. Decisions are for now.

Titus explains all of this: “Beloved: The grace of God has appeared, saving all and training us to reject godless ways and worldly desires and to live temperately, justly and devoutly in this age as we await the blessed hope, the appearance of the glory of our great God and savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us to deliver us from all lawlessness and to cleanse for Himself a people as His own, eager to do what is good.” [Titus 2:11-14] Titus gives credit to God for all of this — for His kindness and love — and God took the initiative — and humanity never did anything to merit it. It’s all about God. It’s all about GOD’S LOVE. Am I responding to God’s love with love on my part? Satan always wants to separate us from His love, but he never can. All God does is love ... love ... LOVE!

Luke makes clear to his readers that Jesus is vastly superior to John. Do I ever consider anyone superior to Jesus? Today’s reading has been considered by many to be the divine commissioning of Jesus. As God’s beloved Son, He will baptize with the Spirit — thus bringing about the regeneration of the world. Our baptism is rich in salvation history. Jesus’ baptism means life for each of us and everyone. In our own baptism we are reconciled to God and united with Christ. This happens at every baptism. We might not remember it — we might not have seen doves — we might not have seen or witnessed the Holy Spirit — but the Spirit is there.

All of these events all refer back to God’s love for me, just the way I am now — and for His desire for you and me to be in heaven with Him and Jesus and the Holy Spirit. Let God love us NOW.

So I reflect on:

• What thoughts and images come to mind that give flesh to my envisioning the Holy Spirit?
• I think of baptisms past that I have witnessed. Looking at the environment, people and celebration, I ask: Do I see uniting with Christ taking place? What was I witnessing, and what did God’s grace lead me to discover more about His love?

Sacred Space 2025 states:

“John preached repentance and the washing away of sins through baptism in water. As God, Jesus did not need to be baptized, but in His human nature as representing all of humanity He is baptized and receives the Holy Spirit coming down like a dove upon Him. He can be seen as the first of the new creation God is forming. ‘If anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation.’ [2 Corinthians 5:17]

“Let us pray for the renewal of the graces of our baptism, and to live the new life that Christ has won for us by His life, death and resurrection.”