Blog Post

Baptism of the Lord

Maryton Carmel • January 11, 2020

This is my Son, the Beloved

In the Eastern Church the celebration of the Lord's Baptism was of central importance. Epiphany means 'manifestation' - and while the West thought of Christ being manifested to the Gentiles via the Magi, the older Eastern Tradition thought of the Trinitarian manifestation of Christ and his mission to the world in general at the time of his Baptism. The dove (Holy Spirit) rested on him, and the voice of the Father was heard: 'This is my Son, the Beloved, my favour rests on him'. After this, John the Baptist points to him as 'the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world' and the first two apostles, Andrew and Philip, spend the day with Him and then start to call others.
 
Also, Christ, coming to Baptism, had no need of being sanctified by the waters: rather, he sanctified the waters, so that they in turn would sanctify all who were baptised in water and the Holy Spirit. The Church recognises that the necessary catechesis on the sacraments is no longer getting across to people in general, and especially with regard to the sacrament of Baptism - by which we are made children of God and members of Christ; sharers in His mission to draw all into the kingdom of God; and, like Him, called to serve, not to be served.  Today is an opportunity to think more deeply about our baptismal commitment.



Share by: