Dear brothers and sisters, this is a Homily for Baptism of the Lord Year A, 2026. Why Baptism for Christ? Why do we need Baptism as Christians today? Indeed, this is a message that we are going to reflect on this Sunday of Baptism. After Christmas festivities, this Sunday we celebrate the Baptism of our lord Jesus Christ in which we remember our own Baptism.
To begin with, Luke reports the Baptism of Jesus just like other synoptic gospel, however, he adds two details 1. All people were baptized with- Jesus Christ. This shows that he came to save the sinners, he shows no distinction and is really “Emmanuel” God with us. 2. At Prayer. After baptism, Jesus prayed then afterwards, he received the Holy spirit. In fact, in this Gospel according to Saint Luke, we realise that before any important decision in Jesus’ life, he prayed. For example, Jesus prayed before choosing his disciples-Luke 6:12, before his Passion-Luke 22:41 and even above all, Jesus prayed at the Cross-Luke 23:34-46. Jesus Christ prayed so as to do God’s will and to be forever in communion with his Father. How can we forgive, have mercy, love others, preach peace if we don’t pray like Jesus did? In this passage, it is after prayer that Jesus received the Holy spirit.
Again, Jesus was baptized in River Jordan by John the Baptist. Let us go back and re-ask the question that I mentioned in the introduction part of this Sunday reflection. We know and understand very well that Jesus had no sin, then why was he baptised ? and yet the baptism of John was for repentance and forgiveness of sins ? Here are the three reasons why Jesus was baptized.
1. To purify and sanctify waters to be used for Baptism. Jesus’ entre into the waters of river Jordan signifies that he purifies and makes the water that will used later on for baptism holy. That is why before a priest administers baptism, he says a prayer over the water so that Christ who entered in to river Jordan can make holy again the water to be used in baptism. Let us note that, even if one is baptized with hot water thinking that it will burn sins, as a matter of fact, it is Christ who effects conversion in a person being baptized and not the amount of water or the temperature of water that converts a person. The Second reason why Jesus was baptized is:
2. To leave us an example in form of a sacrament of Baptism. As the disciples of Christ, when we follow the footsteps of Jesus, we are invited to be baptized that is to be immersed in the water then rise up with him through resurrection.
3. Last but not least, Jesus was baptized so as to prepare for his public ministry that he about to start. We too, when we are baptized, we receive the mission to spread the good news. Do we carry out faithfully this mission? In addition to that, Baptism initiates us in to the community of believers, heirs of the kingdom of God and lastly, it makes us children of God.
On the other hand, there are some events that happened during Jesus’ baptism according to the Gospel of today. For example, the opening of the heavens and descending of the Holy Spirit in form of a DOVE. In a more detailed way, When Jesus comes out of water, he prays and the holy spirit descends on him inform of a Dove. Here Jesus is the new Moses who leads people to eternal life that is a new exodus. Again, by coming out of the water, Jesus brings with him all humankind up to the level of accessing eternal life. In a summary way, during this occasion of Baptism of our lord, in a summary way, there are two important things that take place as soon as Jesus comes out of the water.
Namely: The vision and the Voice.
First, the Vision: the heavens open which means that God now opens for us the heavens through his son, Jesus Christ. Secondly, after the heavens open, there was a voice to confirm Jesus Christ as the beloved son of God. Finally, the holy spirit descends on Jesus in the form of a dove. This reminds us that during baptism, we too receive the holy spirit as well as through the Sacrament of confirmation we too receive it. Indeed, during Jesus’ Baptism also, we see a revelation of the Holy Trinity that is God who speaks from the Heavens, the son baptized and the descending of the Holy spirit inform of a Dove. Hence when baptized, we share in the life of the Holy Trinity.
To conclude, Baptism makes us children of God, heirs of eternal life and initiates us in to the community of believers. Do we live according to our baptismal promises? Are we beloved sons and daughters of God? May God give us his grace to live according to our baptismal promises. AMEN. HAVE A BLESSED SUNDAY !!!!
