The Feast of the Baptism of the Lord

 

First Reading:  IS 42:1-4, 6-7

Responsorial Psalm:  PS 29:1-2, 3-4, 3, 9-10

Second Reading:  ACTS 10:34-38

Gospel:  MK 1:7-11

 

Reflection

By: Carlo Alexis Malaluan

 

Do you still remember the day of your baptism? Probably not, you were too little to be aware that you were being baptized – well, except of course if you have received the Sacrament of Baptism in your adult life. But one thing is for sure, in baptism we have gained our identity as a part of God's family – the Church. In baptism, we have received the grace to belong to a community of believers sharing the grace that God has bestowed upon each one of us.

 

In today's Gospel, we have seen Jesus in the Jordan river being baptized by John. A voice from heaven reaffirmed prophesies about Him. He is the one on whom His Spirit rests and will bring justice to the nations. This is the identity of Jesus.

 

In the post-modern world, many connotations and interpretations of who Jesus is have emerged in our consciousness. Yet, many people still don't believe in Christ. Many people would often cling to the explanation of skepticism and rejection of God. We, as a community of believers must retain our faith in Christ. We must take extra efforts to communicate who Jesus is to us, not only through our festive celebrations but more so in our lifestyle and in the way we move in the secular affairs of the world.

 

 

The year 2021 has marked the 500^th year of Christianity in the Philippines, our theme challenges us: "Missio ad Gentes!" Mission to the People. Let us take courage and heart to tell the world that Christ is alive and is with us! We must take sufferings without complaints, we must spread the Gospel with such joy and enthusiasm, we must live up with the Gospel values every single day of our lives – in that way our identity and that of identity of Jesus will be the same. So that when people see us, they may see the Christ in us. Let our identity be that of Jesus in the way, we can testify that Jesus is God's beloved son.
 

Prayer

 

God of all wilderness wanderers, you sent John to prepare the way for Jesus Christ, your beloved son. Pour out your Holy Spirit upon us so that, like John, we may proclaim the time to turn from sinfulness and the good news of your grace; through Christ, the water of life. Amen.