Today we celebrate the feast of the baptism of the Lord, his baptism marked the beginning of his public ministry and the acceptance of his mission as the Suffering Servant as prophesised by Isaiah. Though sinless, he requested baptism by John the Baptist as sinners did. John was slightly hesitant to baptise Jesus, the sinless one, but when Jesus emerged from the water of the River Jordan, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, resting on him and behold, a voice from Heaven said; This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased. Christs baptism manifesting the Trinity; the voice of the Father, the baptism of the Son, and the descent of the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove.
 

Jesus of course had no need to be baptised, as he was sinless and full of the Holy Spirit, but we see that at the start of Jesus’s ministry, he immerses himself in the waters of the Jordan, joining with sinners, people turning towards God seeking a pathway to repentance. Through being Baptised by John, he identifies himself with each and every one of us, taking upon his shoulders the tremendous burden and responsibility of our sins. Jesus came in humility to share our life and die on the cross for each of us, offering us salvation, eternal life, for those who desire it. All of us surely desire this, a place in heaven, reunited with our loved ones who have gone before us, joining with all the angels and saints in paradise. In recalling the baptism of Jesus, we can relate to our own Baptism, that day when we received the spirit of God taking possession of us, directing us on our pilgrimage of life, uniting us with Jesus, following in his footsteps, living our lives as a disciple of his. The start of the new year provides us with an opportunity to review our commitment, to Christ, and reflect on our calling as a member of God’s family.
You all are in my prayers,

 

God bless you, Deacon Tony.