Today we observe the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord. The Lord’s baptism is important because it foreshadows what will come for us through our own baptism as well as the effects which have been brought about through the Cross and Resurrection. This celebration assists us in looking ahead to what these life giving water mean for us.
By stepping into the river Jesus sanctifies the water that He touches. He descends into the place of repentance in order that sinners may come to rise to new life. Through His descent we acknowledge that Christ enters into death itself in order that we may come to be liberated from its grasp over us.
At His baptism the heavens came to open. Through such an action a proclamation is being made concerning what the cross will accomplish. It was sin which closed the door between Heaven and earth, but it is Christ who dies in order that this barrier may be lifted. Upon the cross His side would be pierced and blood and water symbolic of of the Eucharist and baptism would flow from this wound.
As the voice stated at His baptism, “You are my beloved Son.” These words are true of Christ because He is God the Son. The same words must also be made true within us, for each of us, are called to order our life towards Him. Our call is not to sin, failure, or death, but belonging through our relationship with Christ.
All of this must challenge us to live as a people who have truly been set free from such bonds. If we have died to sin and risen with Christ, then we cannot live as though sin and death still have rule over us. Our words and choices must reflect that freedom that we have received through our baptism. Through baptism we are called upon to reject that which enslaves in order to live with true Christian dignity.
Some falsely act as if baptism is an action which only affects the past. We must remember that through baptism we are given an indelible mark which never goes away even with death. Despite only being baptized once those graces of this sacrament continue to be found at work within our life to this day and beyond.
Baptism is not a superstitious action where one is able to live as they wish because they have been baptized. Rather, we are called to an authentic life of faith that is integrated into who we are as a Christian. As Saint Paul remarks, “Are you unaware that we who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death?”
Let us continue to renew that which was begun within us at our baptism. Each of us must strive for such renewal in order that our life may be lived for Christ. It is He who entered into the Jordan and conquered the grave and thus it is He who continues to lead us from these waters, through the cross, and into eternal life.
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