Have you ever wondered why Jesus was baptized?  We all know that baptism washes away our sins – that’s one of the reasons why we use water as the sign of the sacrament – and Jesus was sinless.  Baptism also welcomes us into God’s family, and Jesus is God so he is already in the innermost circle of God’s family – the Holy Trinity.  And finally, the other reason we use water at baptism is as a sign of the new life we receive through this sacrament – that is, the promise of eternal life in heaven.  Jesus had come from heaven to lead us all back to God’s heavenly kingdom. 

So, why was Jesus baptized?  Some scripture scholars say that it was to offer an example of humility that we might follow.  After all, we are sinners and we all need to be freed from the yoke of original sin.  Other theologians theorize that it was a sign of his willingness to embrace us sinners as he prepared to save us.  These are both good, compelling reasons for Jesus’ baptism but, whatever the reason for his submitting to baptism, it was a wondrous moment when, as we hear so clearly in today’s gospel passage, the Father encourages his son as he begins his public ministry with the words, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased,” and the Spirit descended upon Jesus to assure him of his accompanying presence as he set out to do the Father’s will.

At our baptism, we heard the priest or deacon pour water over our foreheads in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.  And, we become beloved sons and daughters of our heavenly Father as we were anointed with the Holy Spirit.  As we journey through life – which can be as uncertain and arduous as our Lord’s – we are assured that God’s Spirit always accompanies us.  There is no struggle that we face that he can’t understand, no hardship that he has not endured the like; that’s why Jesus suffered the terrible scourging and death on the cross – one of the most excruciating forms of death that man has devised.  And, as we strive to do God’s will, we continue the work Jesus began – building up God’s kingdom here on earth as we prepare to be welcomed into the fullness of that kingdom at the end of our lives.

This message is especially pertinent to you who are preparing to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation in just a few months.  As you know, the sacrament you will receive in April fully initiates you into God’s family; it completes the initiation begun at your baptism.  And, as you receive the fullness of God’s Spirit in Confirmation, strengthened just as the booster strengthens us after receiving the initial vaccine, you are called to respond with good works which demonstrate that you are cooperating with the Spirit of God – just as Jesus did.

This is a good reminder to all of us who have been baptized and confirmed.  As we return to Ordinary Time, time ordered by God for our salvation, let’s listen carefully to this good news.  Our God came into our midst to accompany us in our journey back to him, after making it possible in the first place by his son’s death and resurrection.  He understands us completely because he has lived a life as filled with challenges and difficulties as any of ours will.  And, through his life, death and resurrection, he has given us the perfect example of how to grow in our relationship with God, our heavenly Father, humbly submitting to his will for us, just as Jesus did.  We, who are welcomed into God’s family through our baptism, are beloved by God; let us strive every day to live so that he will be well pleased with us.