As we officially exit the Christmas season, we have recalled the Baptism of the Lord: that moment when Jesus entered the waters of the Jordan to be baptized by John the Baptist.

The baptism of Jesus, however, raises a question: If Jesus is the sinless Son of God, why did he submit to John’s baptism for the repentance of sins? What need was there for Jesus to be baptized if he did not commit sin?

The writers of the New Testament were aware of this problem. For example, when Jesus presents himself for baptism, John the Baptist objects: “I need to be baptized by you, and yet you are coming to me?” In response to John’s objection Jesus replies, “Allow it now, for thus is it fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness” (Matt 3:14-15). By the word “righteousness” Jesus means God’s plan for salvation. And so Jesus tells John: “It is God’s plan for the salvation of the world that you baptize me; therefore, let it be.”

By submitting to John’s baptism, Jesus affirms John’s ministry whereby John calls Israel to repentance. By humbling himself to be baptized, the sinless Son of God provides us with an example to follow. He says, “Be baptized by John and repent because the kingdom of God is at hand.” Jesus’ baptism marks the beginning of his ministry; for it was at that moment that the Spirit of God descended upon him, empowering him to heal, teach, and proclaim the kingdom of God.

Our baptism is similar to -- and different from -- Jesus’ baptism.

Our baptism is similar to Jesus’ baptism inasmuch as it is part of God’s redemptive plan for our salvation. By being baptized, we enter into God’s plan of salvation. We join a multitude of Christians who have been baptized into God’s redemptive plan.

But our baptism is also different from Jesus’ baptism inasmuch as we are baptized into the name of Jesus Christ. By baptism, we enter into the mystery of Christ’s death and resurrection of Christ. In baptism we die to the power of sin over our lives and enter into a new life made possible by Christ’s resurrection. St. Paul reminds us of this when he writes, “Are you not aware that we who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?” (Rom 6:3).

Baptism is more than a washing away of sins, it is a participation in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. When we enter the waters of baptism, we are buried with Christ. When we rise from the waters of baptism, we rise with Christ into new and eternal life. The result is that we are a new creation in Christ; we are sons and daughters of our heavenly Father.

But if this is the new situation in which we find ourselves, we ought to live accordingly. This is why Saint Paul writes, “If then you were raised with Christ, see what is above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Think of what is above, not of what is on earth” (Col 3:1-2).

The Baptism of Jesus marked a new phase in his life: the beginning of his preaching about the kingdom of God. Our baptism marks a new phase in our lives as well: a life lived in accordance with our new dignity as sons and daughters of God, brothers and sisters of our elder brother, Jesus Christ.

In 2018 one of the most important events that occurred in our parish was the mission we held during Lent.  That mission was something we prepared for throughout the year by focusing on the theme of Faith on Fire.  When our mission ended, many parishioners asked how we might follow up on our mission experience.  Is there a theme that can energize and continue to renew us, something that can guide our parish life in the year ahead?  

The theme I have decided on is "Witnessing To Our Faith". Witnesses testify to what they have seen, heard and experienced.  I am designating the third Sunday of every month as Witness Sunday, a day when parishioners from our faith community will give a brief testimoney of their faith. These testimonies allow us to hear what they belive and why they believe so that we can continue to grow in our faith.

In the weeks ahead I will return to the theme of Witnessing Our Faith, and we will hear many testimonies from our fellow parishioners.  All of this will culminate in a celebration of witness and song during Lent, similar to last year's celebration of song and praise at the opening of our parish mission. Listen to what your fellow parishioners testify about their faith, and ask yourself:  What do I believe? Why do I believe? And what is my witness to Christ?

Click HERE to read testimonies from our parishioners

                                                                                              Father Matera