Baptism of the Lord

by Fr. Jerome Cayetano  |  01/11/2026  |  The WORD in other words

In my previous homily, I said that Jesus manifested himself in three ways, namely: He manifests himself to the Gentiles (pagans) by the guidance of the star. This was the feast that we celebrated last Sunday. He manifests himself when he was baptized by John at the river Jordan, the feast that we celebrate today. And he manifests himself when he changes the water into wine at Cana, in Galilee.

I would like to zero-in on the feast of the Baptism of the Lord. After encountering Jesus as a child in the infancy narratives of Luke and Matthew, especially the gospel readings at Christmas, we now focus on Jesus as an adult person.

John the Baptist preached the message of repentance as a way for the people to welcome the Messiah and he introduced the ritual of Baptism through immersion. Why did Jesus come for Baptism? He is all Holy. He is the Son of the most High God. He has no sin to repent? This question or query did puzzle many biblical scholars and perhaps the early Christian community. In fact, when Jesus was coming to John for baptism. John vehemently refused to baptize him. He said: "I should be baptized by you, yet you come to me!" (Mt 3:14) Jesus answered: "Give in for now. We must do this if we would fulfill all of God's demands." (Mt 3:15) This is Matthew's way to answer the query or question why Jesus did submit himself for baptism.

So, what is then the meaning behind Jesus' baptism? First, it means that Jesus has lovingly embraced our humanity - its nature, aspirations, dreams, strengths, weaknesses, sinfulness, idiosyncrasies, etc. He has truly integrated with us. He is truly the "EMMANUEL", God with us. Second, God became man and live among us in order to humanize his divine nature and to divinize our human nature. Thus, both nature are completely united in Christ. Third, the baptism of Christ points to the reality of Jesus Paschal mystery. Jesus will be immersed in his suffering and death and he will also rise in his resurrection.

After knowing the meaning behind Jesus' baptism. Today's feast should inspire, convict and challenge us. First, to recall and appreciate our own baptism. It was the time when our original sin was washed away; we were given a Christian name; we were anointed with the "Chrism" wherein we receive the indelible mark participating in the kingly, prophetic and priestly role of Christ; we were given a new dignity, that is, we become a child of the Father; and we have become part of the Christian community (the Body of Christ). We must not only celebrate our birthday, but also our baptismal date because it was the moment we receive the gift of salvation, and "new life" with Christ. Second, when Jesus was baptized the Spirit of God hovered on him and a voice from the heavens said: "This is my beloved Son. My favor rests on him." (Mt 3:17) We have to thank God not only for creating us unto his image and likeness, and for redeeming us, but moreover for adopting us as his sons and daughters. Thus, we are all heirs of the Kingdom of God. God wants all of us his children to be in his Kingdom. He doesn't want that one of his children will be lost. That's is why Jesus commanded his apostles: "All authority has been given to me both in heaven and on earth; go, therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, Baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.." (Mt 28:18)

Are we living and doing what a son or daughter of God expects of us so that God's favor will rest on us? Let us then try to live as Children of the Father by living a good, just, righteous and holy life. Finally, if there is anyone whose child has not been baptized, please convince them (the parents) and help them facilitate the reception of the sacrament of Baptism. Inquire for the requirements of the reception of the Sacrament of Baptism.

On pastoral note: The Diocese is asking each parish to undergo the parish survey. Our parish is already late, but as the parish administrator I have to rally all of you to participate in the parish survey. I need your cooperation on this regard. Information will be forthcoming.