Called and Commissioned: Living Our Baptismal Identity

Feast of the Baptism of the Lord: January 12, 2025

Readings: Isaiah 42:1–4, 6–7; Psalm 29:1–4, 9–10; Acts 10:34–38; Luke 3:15–16, 21–22

 To listen to my audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/mBNDGqN6Ou8

As we enter into the ordinary rhythm of the New Year 2025, our spirits are still high with the blessings it brings. We may be getting busier, feeling the monotony of life yet the spirit with which we started the year must keep us going with the resolutions and other commitments that we have made for this year. Towards this end, the liturgical readings of this Sunday on the day of the feast of our Lord's Baptism invite us to take a closer look at the person of Jesus and John the Baptist who are just six months apart in their age, yet both are profound and committed to the cause for which they are called. John the Baptist is at the service of Word, which was made flesh among us. All his energies are geared towards this cause of preparing the way for God.

1. Getting to know our identity better

Today, we live in an age of digital identities, where our worth is often measured in likes and followers. Many people, especially our youth, struggle with questions of who they really are. Into this confusion, the Baptism of Jesus thunders with the Father's voice: "This is my beloved Son." This divine affirmation reminds us that our deepest identity isn't found in social media profiles or professional achievements, but in being God's beloved children. We see the perfect manifestation of the Holy Trinity – the Son standing in the waters, the Spirit descending like a dove, and the Father's voice proclaiming "This is my beloved Son."

The way Jesus entered the Jordan River, which we see in Luke 3:15–16, 21–22 standing alongside sinners and tax collectors, challenges our modern tendency to create echo chambers and isolate ourselves from those who are different. In an era marked by polarization and division, Jesus's baptism shows us the power of solidarity. The Son of God didn't create a separate space for Himself but chose to stand with humanity in its brokenness. This challenges us to move beyond our comfortable bubbles and reach out across the divides that separate us.

2. Our identity rests on which we live

We live in times of environmental crisis, where water – the very element of baptism – has become both scarce in many regions and polluted in others. Jesus' sanctification of the waters reminds us of our responsibility to care for God's creation. Our baptismal calling includes being stewards of the earth's resources, particularly water, which is not just a symbol of life but its very necessity. At his baptism begins the public ministry of Jesus. Like Jesus, our baptism is not just a moment of cleansing, but a commissioning. We too are called to emerge from the waters with a mission, to redeem the world.

In an age of anxiety and mental health challenges, where many feel overwhelmed by global crises and personal struggles, the Baptism of Jesus offers hope. Just as the heavens were "torn open" at His baptism, God breaks into our reality, meeting us in our depths. Our baptism isn't just a past event but a present reality anchoring us in divine love when everything else seems uncertain.

3. As Jesus' disciples with a difference

The Holy Spirit's descent like a dove upon Jesus speaks to our deep longing for peace in a world torn by conflicts and wars. This same Spirit is given to us in baptism, empowering us to be peacemakers in our families, workplaces, and communities. We are called to live from this deep truth – that we are cherished by God and called to reflect His love in the world.

In an era where many feel powerless against massive systems and structures, Jesus's baptism and the beginning of His public ministry remind us that we are commissioned for a purpose. Whether through social media, in our workplaces, or in our neighbourhoods, we are called to be witnesses to God's love and justice. Like John, we are called to recognize our role in pointing others to Christ, acknowledging that we are not the source of salvation but mere instruments in God's hands.

Questions for self-reflection

1. Are there moments where we seek recognition for ourselves instead of pointing to God’s glory?
2. Do we live with the confidence that we are deeply loved and cherished by the Creator?
3. How open are we to the Spirit’s presence and guidance in our daily lives?

Prayer

Heavenly Father,

As we reflect on the Baptism of Your beloved Son, we are reminded of our true identity as Your cherished children. Help us to live out our baptismal call with courage and purpose, standing in solidarity with those in need and caring for the creation You have entrusted to us.

Fill us with the Holy Spirit, the source of peace and strength, that we may be peacemakers and bearers of Your love in a divided world. Guide us to step beyond our comfort zones, to serve with humility like John the Baptist, and to reflect Christ's light wherever we go.

May our resolutions and commitments this year be rooted in the mission You have given us, and may we always hear Your voice affirming us as Your beloved. We ask this in Your holy name. Amen.

- Olvin Veigas, SJ

10 January 2025