January 10, 2021
The Baptism of the Lord (Year B)
As we begin Ordinary Time in the liturgical year of the Church, we celebrate the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord. This is a story which is found in all four gospels and today we have the version from Mark (Mk. 1:7-11). It is by far the simplest, having fewer details when compared to the other versions. Yet when we look at it in conjunction with the other readings, it reveals one of the more complex teachings of our faith: the way we receive salvation through the Sacraments of Baptism and the Eucharist.
It begins with the First Reading from Isaiah (Isa. 55:1-11). This passage was written toward the end of the Babylonian exile shortly before the people of Israel had been released from their captivity and allowed to return home. It is a comforting announcement where God promises to renew the covenant made with David and to make Israel a leader among the nations.
This pledge is extended to the soon to be released exiles with certain stipulations. The wicked and the sinners are to turn away from their former ways and seek God’s mercy and forgiveness. If they listen diligently to the word of the Lord, they will receive all that is necessary for their livelihood: bread and rich fare, wine and milk without cost, and a fertile and fruitful earth. The invitation is open to those who are willing to accept it using a metaphor of water: “All you that thirst, come to the waters.” (Isa. 55:1).
The Responsorial Psalm which we find in our liturgy today (Isa. 12:2-3, 4bcd, 5-6. 12) is a reminder of this generous offering of God to the Israelites. Here the water becomes a source of life and salvation: “God indeed is my savior; I am confident and unafraid. My strength and my courage is the LORD, and he has been my savior. With joy you will draw water at the fountain of salvation.” (Isa. 12:2-3).
In the Gospel reading we encounter a further enhancement of the salvific water of life offered by God as we hear the proclamation of John the Baptist at the Jordan River. Speaking of Jesus, John announces, “One mightier than I is coming after me. I am not worthy to stoop and loosen the thongs of his sandals. I have baptized you with water; he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” (Mk. 1:7-8).
The passage in Mark then continues, “On coming up out of the water he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit, like a dove, descending upon him. And a voice came from the heavens, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.” (Mk. 1:10-11).
In the Second Reading (1 Jn. 5:1-9) the apostle John adds the final component crucial for salvation. He describes how “victory over the world,” or salvation, comes about through faith in Christ as the chosen one of God. John then declares, “This is the one who came through water and blood, Jesus Christ, not by water alone, but by water and blood. The Spirit is the one who testifies, and the Spirit is truth. (1 Jn. 5:6).
There are three things here described by John which point to the salvation that we receive from the reception of the Sacraments of Baptism and the Eucharist. The first is the life-giving water, originally given by God to the Israelites. It cleanses us from the stain of original sin and purifies us to be welcomed into the church. We are reminded of this “fountain of salvation” every time we enter the Church and dip our fingers into the font of Holy Water to make the Sign of the Cross.
The second is the Holy Spirit which we receive through Baptism in Christ as proclaimed by John the Baptist. It is the same Spirit, the advocate of God, who testifies to the identity of Jesus as the “Beloved Son” at his own Baptism. And it is the gift of the Triune God to empower us for our mission as members of the Church.
Finally, the third is the blood. Though seemingly elusive, it merely represents the death of Jesus on the cross for the sake of our sins and the offer of forgiveness to our fallen world. It is the ultimate conclusion to God’s plan of salvation and a sacrifice we are privileged to participate in every time we partake of the Eucharist, the body and blood of Christ.
St. John succinctly summarizes these aspects of the sacraments of our salvation, “These are three that testify, the Spirit, the water, and the blood.” (1 Jn. 5:7-8a).
