Baptism of Our Lord

The narrative of Our Lord's baptism by John the Baptist on the shores of the River Jordan marks the beginning of Jesus's public life. The New Testament, as is evident, attaches very great importance to the event which, while raising a number of questions, is reported not only by the Apostle John, but also by all the other three evangelists.

One may ask here a very simple question: why is Our Lord's baptism by John given so much importance? After all, it was not yet a sacrament like the other six. And then it could not have any effect on Jesus, who did not need to be purified by Baptism because he was altogether free from sin.

The first answer to this question is that Jesus was then representing all mankind, which was indeed in need of purification. Jesus, nonetheless wanted to be baptised by John to give sure witness to the fact that we all need purification so as to make it possible for us to receive the Good News, which was there and then being publicly announced by Jesus, the Saviour of all.

In the light of today's theology we can say that John's baptismal ceremony was not a 'sacrament' as we understand it today, but only a 'sacramental', that is a rite which, while not producing of its own the ultimate effect of radical purification, which is proper to the Sacrament of Baptism as we have it today, disposes the recipient to become receptive to God's saving grace and sincere forgiveness.

Today's narrative not only marks the first appearance of Our Lord in public life, but also his official presentation to the public by John, who openly announced him in these words: "Behold the Lamb of God, behold him who takes away the sins of the world!" We are used to hearing these words pronounced by the priest just before receiving Holy Communion, perhaps without realising that these very words express in a nutshell our faith in Jesus Christ as our redeemer.

Today's Gospel goes on to tell us what happened there before all the people who had gathered around the Baptist on the shores of the River Jordan.

John the Evangelist, in his usual concise style, writes: "I saw the Spirit coming down from heaven like a dove, and resting upon him." But Matthew goes into further details: "As Jesus came straight out of the water, suddenly heaven was opened, and John saw the Spirit of God coming down like a dove and resting upon him; and with that, a voice came from heaven, which said: 'This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased!' "

The theological word used in similar situations is 'theophany', which means "God's manifestation". The whole life of Christ could be considered a continued theophaIly. But the Fathers of the Church prefer to restrict this term to three particular occasions in Jesus's life: the manifestation of Jesus to the Magi, his Baptism by John near the River Jordan, and thirdly the changing of water into wine at the Cana wedding ceremony.

Most of us know the date of our birthday, but do not remember that of our Baptism when we were born again as children of God. On that very important day, I suppose, there was no special 'theophany' in or around us. It remains, however, up to each one of us to reflect God's light and his saving message around us through our witness of faith and love wherever we may be.