If there is an event of Christ's life about which the four Gospels are unanimous, it is that of his baptism. This is the starting point for public activity of Jesus. Until then, we know very little about it.
But at the same time, if there is an embarrassing event in the life of Jesus, this is it! Why Jesus is the son of God Most High, who committed no sin, therefore he should be baptized, for forgiveness just because that practice baptism John is an act of repentance ?
Before answering this question, let's look at this character a bit enigmatic John the Baptist. Luke is Jesus' cousin, also a child of a miraculous birth. It is an ascetic, retired to the desert, wearing an animal skin and feeds on honey and locusts. He baptized in the Jordan Press and the crowds to repent, to escape the wrath of God. Those who confess their sins will be cleansed by being immersed in water. Once baptized, these people became disciples of the Baptist.
So how can we understand that Jesus requested baptism of repentance of John? It is reasonable to assume that John was the spiritual master of Jesus. In being baptized, Jesus recognizes the relevance of preaching and authority of John the Baptist. Moreover, Jesus baptize him, too. But for Jesus, the moment of baptism becomes something almost mythical: behold, the heavens opened, the Spirit of God manifests himself down in the guise of a dove and a voice is heard: You're my beloved son, in you I enjoyed it!
Obviously, nobody today can say that everything went well, but what is important is the meaning of this experience. For Jesus, it becomes obvious that he has a unique vocation, he realizes at this point. He will announce that the Kingdom was near, he is even in our midst. But even more, by his very person, received by this vocation, Jesus is the manifestation of God's Kingdom.
Baptism is a sacrament. That is to say the visible sign of invisible grace of God for us all. The grace and love of God is first. God loved us even before we loved him or us to manifest any gratitude to him and before we even aware of his love. So this need to understand infant baptism: a sign that God loves as a father, as a mother, even before the child is the mere idea that there may be another father than his father, mother or other his mother.
You are my son, my beloved daughter-e. In you I take delight. These words of the God of heaven are for everyone. Although this is a unique event, we do not perhaps remember our baptism. It is certainly a very strong sign of the love our parents have worn. They wanted to put our public life under the gaze benevolent God, we trust in God's arms of love.
Thus, baptism is not only an act of repentance. It is the moment in a life where the spirit comes from heaven to meet us. For Jesus, this was an opportunity to hear he was the privileged son of his Father in heaven.
Spirit materialized in the form of a dove. Bird of peace par excellence. Thus, the look on God asks each of us is a look of love and peace given to us from even before we realize it. For us too, although we have not kept in memory, was an opportunity to receive the Spirit of God in heaven. This was also the revelation in the heart of our vocation that is ours later: that of being in the image of Christ, the son and daughters of God, messengers of love and peace.
What better gift than to be loved by the Father! Above all, the love of God is there. Even today, those words resonate in our hearts: You are my son, my beloved daughter-e is in you that I enjoy.
Amen.
Personal Photo (c) March 2009
