FEAST of the BAPTISM of the LORD

Gospel Bullet Points (Luke 3:15-16. 21-22)

• We take note of two elements in Jesus’ baptism:

FIRST – to declare who He is – God’s own Son. After the baptism of Jesus, the Holy Spirit descends upon Him like a dove. Then a voice from heaven announces who Jesus is: “This is my Son …. My favor rests on Him.”

SECOND – his baptism declares that HE will do God’s work outlined by the Prophet Isaiah in the first reading:

1. He will establish justice;
2. A light for the nations;
3. Open the eyes of those blinded by power, wealth, and the false promise;
4. Set people free, imprisoned by social injustice.
5. SIMILARLY, our baptism is also twofold:

First, it publicly proclaims our identity as adopted sons and daughters of the Almighty Father and as temples of the Holy Spirit.

Second – Our baptism empowers us to do good as Jesus did.

• Our baptism is not an action that happened in the past. Although few of us can remember our baptism, most of us were carried to the baptismal font as infants in the arms of our parents. What started at our baptism should not be left behind us. Let our baptism become an operative power in us impelling us to do God’s will as we go on a mission.
• Here is an invitation: renew your baptismal vows today…. From now on WALK INTO A NEW DIRECTION, DE-PROGRAM YOUR LIVES according to the Gospel Values.
• As you do God’s will in your life, you may never see a dove or hear voices approving your good works, but always remember that God rewards every good deed!