The Baptism of the Lord: Baptism is a coming into the Body of Christ, in which we become members of one another and of Christ – it is about who we are in Christ, and whose we are: God’s own. In baptism we are gathered… and sent forth, in the ministry that is God’s own ministry of transformation, reconciliation, healing and salvation of the world. So, baptism is not just about identity and belonging, it’s also about being sent in mission and ministry.

Imagine the scene: A long line of people who have heard the preaching of John. His calling was one of repentance and forgiveness as he baptized the throng of humanity with water along the banks of the Jordan. Jesus arrives and joins the end of the line, waiting patiently for his baptism by John. Fully God and fully human, Jesus lines up with the brokenness of humanity and in solidarity with them. 

At the beginning of Jesus’ ministry, he becomes part of who we are in our humanity as wounded people, not fully saint or fully sinner, just human beings in all our frailty. Jesus became part of who we are in this world. After John’s baptism, Jesus is filled with the presence of the Holy Spirit and declared the Son of God. Fully human as he lined up with the people to receive John’s baptism and fully the Son of God through the presence of the Holy Spirit.

How can you be a holy presence to others that you encounter in your journey of life and faith? 

Prayer: God of glory, immerse us in your grace, mark us with your image, and raise us to live our baptismal promises, so that, empowered by the Holy Spirit, we may follow the example of Christ your beloved in whose name we pray. Amen. (Revised Common Lectionary Prayers (2002) alt.