The feast of the Baptism of the Lord invites us to reflect on our baptism.
The feast of the Baptism of the Lord is a great moment in the liturgical
calendar, marking a central point in the life of Jesus and His revelation to the
world. This event, underscores the manifestation of Christ’s divine mission and
identity. In the first reading, the prophet Isaiah speaks of the servant of the Lord,
the chosen one in whom God is well pleased. This passage resonates deeply
with the moment of Jesus’s baptism, where the heavens open, and the voice of
God declares, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”
Just as the Holy Spirit empowered Jesus to embark on His mission of
salvation, we, too, receive the Holy Spirit in our baptism. This sacrament
transforms us into children of God, imbued with the grace to love and serve as
Christ did. In this Jubilee Year 2025, designated as a Holy Year of Hope, we are
reminded by Pope Francis to nurture the flame of hope within us. We are called
to help others find strength and confidence by facing the future with open hearts
and guided by the Holy Spirit. Our love and courage will inspire others to
embrace the Good News.
The Gospel reading from St. Luke highlights the humility of John the Baptist,
who recognizes the coming of one mightier than himself. This acknowledgment
sets the stage for Jesus’s baptism, where He sanctifies the waters and opens the
path of salvation for humanity. Jesus’s baptism is not just a moment of divine
revelation but also an act that initiates His public ministry. Through baptism, we
are cleansed from sin and commissioned to continue Jesus’s mission of love and
justice. The Holy Spirit empowers us to participate in the Church’s mission,
urging us to reach out in love to those who have drifted from the faith. Our
baptism has the power to make a significant impact in the world.
As we celebrate the Baptism of the Lord, let us contemplate the profound
mystery of our baptism. We are invited to renew our commitment to live as
faithful disciples, bringing the light of Christ to a world often overshadowed by
despair and division. In doing so, we answer the call to be instruments of peace
and channels of God’s grace.
Dear brothers and sisters, in this Holy Year of Hope, let us fervently pray for
the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon us and the world. May we be inspired to
act with love and courage, drawing others to embrace God’s mercy. Let us create
a future imbued with hope, where justice and peace prevail, reflecting the
kingdom of God that Jesus inaugurated through His life, death, and resurrection.
We can make a difference in the world through our courage and love.Fr. Dominic Toan Tran, Pastor