The Gospel of Matthew presents the baptism of Jesus as a theologically rich moment that inaugurates His public ministry and reveals His identity. Jesus comes from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John, an action that immediately raises a problem: John’s baptism is for repentance, yet Jesus is without sin. Matthew alone records John’s hesitation and Jesus’ response, “Let it be so now; for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Here, “righteousness” refers not to moral correction but to faithful obedience to the will of the Father. By submitting to baptism, Jesus fully identifies Himself with sinful humanity, taking His place among those He has come to save. This act anticipates the cross, where He will bear the sins of the many in complete obedience to the Father’s plan.

The descent of the Spirit and the opening of the heavens mark this event as a decisive moment of divine revelation. The Spirit coming “like a dove” evokes creation imagery from Genesis, where the Spirit hovers over the waters, signaling a new creation. It also recalls Isaiah’s prophecy of the Spirit resting upon the Servant of the Lord. Matthew thus presents Jesus as the Spirit-anointed Messiah, empowered for His mission. The opened heavens indicate that the barrier between God and humanity is being removed; through Jesus, access to God is restored. The baptism scene is therefore not only an act of humility but the beginning of God’s saving work
breaking into history.

Finally, the voice from heaven “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased” reveals the deepest meaning of the event. At the Jordan, the mystery of the Trinity is manifested: the Father speaks, the Son is baptized, and the Spirit descends. Matthew’s account makes clear that Jesus’ mission flows from His divine sonship and loving relationship with the Father. The baptism of Jesus, therefore, is not about purification but about revelation: it reveals who Jesus is and how He will save—through obedience, humility, and self-giving love.

~ Fr. Bryan

REMEMBERING WHO I AM

In the Gospel of the Baptism of the Lord, we see Jesus entering the waters of the Jordan. He does not need to be baptized, yet He chooses to stand with sinners. This shows us the great love of God. Jesus comes close to us, not when we are perfect, but even when we are weak and sinful. He meets us where we are.

When Jesus comes out of the water, the heavens open and the Father says, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.” This moment reminds me of my own Baptism. As a Catholic, I believe that through Baptism I was freed from original sin, made a child of God, and welcomed into the Church. God claimed me as His own and I am forgiven, loved, and given a new life in Christ.

There are moments in my life when I forget this gift. I focus on my mistakes, my sins, and my failures. I feel so unworthy and distant from God. But this feast reminds me that Baptism is not just something from the past. It is a grace that continues to work in my life. Through Baptism, I share in the death and resurrection of Jesus. I am redeemed from sin and called to begin again.

The Holy Spirit who came down upon Jesus is still with us today. The Spirit works through the Sacraments, especially Confession and the Holy Eucharist, where God continues to heal and forgive us. The Baptism of the Lord invites me to renew my baptismal promises: to turn away from sin, to choose what is good, and to trust in God’s mercy.

May this feast remind us that we are baptized, forgiven, and loved. May we live each day as children of God, grateful for the gift of new life in Christ.

~ Leng

PRAYER TO START THE WEEK

Lord Jesus, like You at the Jordan, teach me to say “yes” to God’s will today. Help me obey not because I’m forced, but because I love You. When I don’t understand and feel unready, give me the courage to trust. May my small acts of obedience open my heart to Your grace. Amen.