It happened in those days that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized in the Jordan by John. On coming up out of the water he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit, like a dove, descending upon Him. And a voice came from the heavens, "You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased."

The WORD

With some variations, the gospel refer to the baptism of Jesus at the River Jordan as the beginning of His public ministry. In Mark’s story, the baptism of Jesus appears like a private affair. Only Jesus sees the heavens open; only Jesus hears the voice from heaven that declares Him as "beloved Son." The more important thing, though, is that, through His baptism, Jesus enters into solidarity with sinful men and women. Though sinless, Jesus lines up for the baptism of repentance of John. He purposely places Himself on the side of sinners and assumes the burdens of our sins so that He may truly stand up for us. The Eastern Rite Christians, then, call the baptism of the Lord Jesus kenosis or self-emptying.

Our baptism has a similar challenge: Solidarity with all the baptized, with all those immersed in the waters of baptism. Our Christian Baptism should open in us sensitivity to others.

SOURCE: "365 Days with the Lord," ST PAULS, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 895-9701; Fax 895-7328; E-mail: publishing@stpauls.ph; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.