Christ is Baptized!
Today we celebrate the feast of Theophany, when Christ was baptized in the Jordan and the voice of the Father was heard, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased." (Mt 3:17) This feast is significant because it is on this day that Jesus' divinity is revealed to all.
I (Beth) reflected a bit on this passage and placed myself in various parts of the scene as I read. John the Baptist knew that he was proclaiming the coming of the Messiah and today he hears that the person he is baptizing, his cousin, who he's known for years is beloved. He must have been overwhelmed! Earlier John the Baptist said that he was "not worthy to stoop and loosen the thongs of his sandals." (Mk 1: 7) And now in front of him is the person he was talking about. What an incredible time for him.
The onlookers have shown up for ordinary baptisms but also shown up out of curiosity to learn more about John the Baptist. They're now stunned and amazed to hear a voice from the sky. Imagine the discussions as they made their way back to their homes. "Did you hear that? Did we hear the same thing? Who is that man that John baptized? We should learn more about him."
I also think about Jesus in this scene. He knows he's been sent to live among us as man for a very special purpose. Hearing his Father say that he is beloved and that the Father is pleased with him must have filled him with love. Do you have those times when you need reminded of who you are and the love that others have for you? Jesus in his divinity wouldn't need these things, but hearing the Father call him beloved must have filled him with great joy.
Today on this great feast, may we remember that we too are beloved sons and daughters of God the Father. He is pleased with us. May we rejoice at the revelation of Jesus' divinity to the world. And may we who have had this great mystery revealed to us by the church spread this with joy to our neighbors, family, and friends.
O Christ God, you appeared and enlightened the world, glory to you!
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