The Baptism of the Lord
John the Baptist urged everyone to ritually cleanse themselves in preparation for the arrival of the long-awaited Christ. They would be ready for a new life by washing away their past.
Jesus entered the Jordan River along with everyone else that day. They washed away their sins. He was anointed for his mission. The heavens opened above him, and the Father pronounced words of consecration. He was ready to preach the Good News. The first light of the Kingdom of God.
Jesus taught the people that the Kingdom of God was within them. He taught them to nurture it, let it grow, free it, and purify the entire world with fire and God’s love.
We celebrate Jesus’ anointing for his mission and recall that we have been anointed by the same Spirit and consecrated by the Father of us all to continue the mission Christ inaugurated at his baptism.
As in John the Baptist’s time, our world longs to hear Good News. Many countries, including our own, are in political upheaval, and climate change is challenging every government and every person.
Now, more than ever, the world needs to listen to the voice of the Kingdom speaking in the body of Christ. The world needs to free the Kingdom of God that’s dormant in each of us. The world needs to listen to the god-voice of the indigenous peoples. The world needs to listen to the saints who plead, “War never again.” The world needs to hear the poor weeping the tears of the hopeless. The world needs to listen to the voice of the divine speaking in every atom of creation.
Today, we’re being asked to recommit ourselves to his mission. It’s time for the world to hear the Good News again.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, anoint us with your Spirit and free the power of the kingdom within us. Help us to give voice to your good news. Be pleased with us as you were pleased with your Son. Amen.