As we come to the end of the Christmas Season, we hear Jesus burst onto the world stage. After being born in Bethlehem and spending some time as a refugee with his family in Egypt, his childhood has been hidden away in the little town of Nazareth while Jesus grew “in wisdom and age and favor before God and man,” as we hear in Luke’s Gospel. But now, he begins his public ministry. It all starts with his baptism; all four of the gospels relate this incident. Only Matthew’s Gospel, however, includes a conversation between Jesus and John the Baptist. Remember, John and Jesus are cousins. You’ll notice, however, that this is not just a friendly conversation. “Hey, cuz, how are you? I haven’t seen you for a while. How are things with my favorite aunt Mary?” No, this isn’t the conversation that we find in today’s gospel. Why? Because, the gospels aren’t biographies but gospels – proclamations of the Good News of our salvation through Jesus. So, what does his baptism and this conversation tell us that’s good news?
First, they tell us that Jesus really does come to be one with us. Jesus doesn’t need to be baptized. After all, John’s baptism is a baptism of repentance and Jesus doesn’t need to repent because he is sinless. But, Jesus comes to the Jordan to demonstrate God’s mercy as he joins with all those who recognize their need for repentance come to have their sins washed away. Just as we saw so clearly at Jesus’ birth – into a poor family in a simple stable surrounded by shepherds and animals – God sent his son into our midst to truly be one with us. He has not just taken on our human nature; he has taken on our needy and sinful human condition. That’s why he comes to the Jordan to have John baptize him.
Second, the conversation between Jesus and John the Baptist tells us that Jesus came to fulfill God’s plan of salvation. John recognizes that he shouldn’t be baptizing Jesus; it should be the other way around. But, Jesus convinces him to do so, saying, “it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” And, that single phrase is packed with meaning; let me explain. We had turned away from God and turned to Satan; that’s the message behind the ancient story of Adam and Eve. Since then, God has been drawing us back to him, back into a right relationship with him. And, as part of his plan from all eternity, he would come among us in person; that was the fullness of his plan. This is the righteousness Jesus is referring to; he is the God-made-man who draws us back to God. That is truly good news!
Third, after Jesus is baptized, all of the gospels relate that the Spirit of God descended like a dove and a voice from heaven declared, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”
All of Israel was waiting for a messiah – and you all know that the word “messiah” means “anointed.” But, they were looking for someone like King David who would free them from the oppressive Roman Empire and make them, once again, a great nation here on earth. The Spirit of God coming down upon Jesus at this time was his anointing. We hear St. Peter affirm that in this morning’s second reading when he speaks of “Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all,” and declares “how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power” after John baptized him. But, as we hear in our first reading this morning, Jesus does not come as a powerful, earthly king or mighty warrior. No, he comes so gently that “a bruised reed he shall not break, and a smoldering wick he shall not quench.” Jesus comes in gentleness and to fan the smoldering wick so that it will burst into flame! That refers to all of humanity coming back to full life. And, as we hear in today’s second reading, “he went about doing good and healing all those oppressed by the devil.” Jesus was anointed not to rebuild an earthly kingdom that will pass away but to establish a heavenly kingdom that will thrive for all eternity; that’s really good news.
And, as we hear the voice of God proclaim, “you are my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased,” we are reminded that we, too, are beloved sons and daughters of God. That happens at our baptism, as well. As we journey through life – which can be as uncertain and arduous as his was – we are assured that Jesus always accompanies us. There is no struggle that we face that he can’t understand, no hardship that he has not endured the like. And, as we strive to do God’s will, we continue the work he 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.
As we return to Ordinary Time, that is, time ordered by God for our salvation, let’s listen carefully to this good news – and be encouraged. Our God came into our midst to accompany us in our journey back to him. He understands us completely because he has lived a life as filled with challenges and difficulties as ours. 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. 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 well be pleased with us.