The feast of the Baptism of the Lord marks the end of the Christmas season and the beginning of the public ministry of Jesus.
Jesus, who did not need baptism, identifies himself with us sinners and shows us its importance and the way to follow.
Through the waters of baptism, we become members of God's family and are thus expected to live lives worthy of the children of God. Baptism actually conforms us to Jesus and opens heaven for us, freeing us from sin and the chains of death.
Through his baptism, Jesus opens to all nations, especially to those who are truly thirsty, the door of salvation.
For those who are truly opened to God's invitation, He offers through his Son Jesus Christ, the source of living water, eternal life.
This is how in today's second reading, St John draws our attention to the importance of believing in Jesus Christ through the three elements which testify to our filiation in Christ, namely: water, blood and spirit. Every day, we are defiled internally and externally by sin, but the water of baptism, which Christ brings, effectively continues God's work in our lives. By his blood and by his spirit, Christ continues his reign in our lives and in our world.
Let us renew our baptismal commitments on this day and, like Jesus, puts ourselves at the service of the kingdom of God.
May the peace of Christ be with you!
Father Georges sac