Fr. Bob's Reflection for the Second Sunday in Ordinary Time -

The Feast of Christ’s Baptism is quite unique. Some scholars note that the members of the early Church struggled to understand the symbolism of Jesus, the greater, receiving baptism from John, the lesser. It was a total reversal of what many expected. John himself voices this concern to Jesus. He tells Him, “It should be You baptizing me.” But the true meaning of baptism was never about hierarchy – it was about conversion. Not necessarily conversion from sin, but turning toward a new way of life. Baptism served as both a commissioning and a public moment, revealing one’s commitment and mission before the community. For Christ, His baptism was not a cleansing from sin, because we know Jesus was sinless. But, it was a public declaration of His divine identity and mission of salvation. It is also the first clear revelation of the Holy Trinity, where the Father, Son and Holy Spirit act together. The Heavens open, communication between Heaven and earth unfolds and humanity and divinity meet. Many might have been asking, "Who is this Jesus?" Then, the Father answers that very question: “This is My beloved Son, with Whom I am well pleased.” From this moment, He is revealed and defined as the Son of God. We still see similar forms of definition in the world today. We see a golden arch and immediately recognize it as McDonald’s. We see a pinstriped jersey and a home run crowd, and we can identify New York Yankees’ star Aaron Judge. We see innovation and global philanthropy, and we are reminded of Bill Gates. Even powerful titles shape impressions, like that of Alexander the Great, and even John the Baptist. Jesus’ title, the Christ, means “the Anointed One.” He received this title at His baptism – the moment He stepped into His public ministry and revealed His mission, His office and His image. His baptism casts light on our own. Through the Sacrament of Baptism, we are publicly defined as children of God and commissioned as living signs of His work in the world. When we enter a church, we often dip our fingers into the holy water font, almost out of habit, without a second thought. Yet this small gesture echoes our baptism. It invites us to remember and renew the grace and power of that great Sacrament. It reminds us that our relationship with God is not meant to be lived in isolation, but embraced publicly and authentically. We are His beloved children, and this bond forms the core of our identity in Christianity. St. Paul expresses it beautifully in his letter to the Galatians. He says, "For in Christ Jesus, you are all children of God. For as many of you who were baptized, there is neither Jew or Greek, neither slave or free, neither male or female. You are all one in Christ Jesus, our Lord." And so, as God’s beloved sons and daughters, we are called to live our faith with courage, compassion and integrity. If we live this way, the world may see Christ in us. If we do this, perhaps the Lord will look upon each of us and say, “This is my beloved child, with whom I am well pleased.” Yours in Christ, Fr. Robert Warren, S.A. Spiritual Director