Homily of the Baptism of the Lord
By Fr Oluwafemi Victor Orilua CSSp
Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7, Acts 10:34-38, Matthew 3:13-17
Born biologically we are God’s creatures, in the state of nature and by the virtue of our baptism we become His sons and daughters, with a special mark of ownership which cannot be effaced or erased. Baptism takes us through a spiritual transformation through which we share in the life, death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.
According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC), Baptism is the sacrament of new birth by water and the word (CCC 1213). It is the gateway to the Christian life and the foundation of all the other sacraments. Through Baptism: we are freed from sin, both original sin and personal sins (CCC 1263); we are reborn as children of God and incorporated into Christ and his Church (CCC 1213, 1267); we receive the gift of the Holy Spirit and are given a share in Christ’s priestly, prophetic, and kingly mission (CCC 1268).
Reflecting on the Church’s understanding of Baptism, we may wonder why it was necessary for Jesus Himself to be baptised, since He is the Lord. Yet, in solidarity with sinners, Jesus chose to receive baptism, a moment through which He revealed the Trinity. At His baptism, the Holy Spirit appeared in the form of a dove, and the voice of God the Father was heard from heaven. This serves as a pointer that all who are baptised likewise receive divine affirmation and a special anointing to represent God in the world.
However, Jesus’ baptism, which He accepted in obedience to the Father’s will “to fulfil all righteousness” (Mt 3:15), invites all people to follow His example. It is also a moment of consecration for mission. By entering the waters, He sanctifies them, so that all who are later baptised may die to sin and rise to new life in Him (CCC 536).
Therefore, if the Lord accepted Baptism for our sake, then this day is a special occasion to reflect on our identity as baptised children of God. As He said in the gospel of St John, “And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth” (John 17:19). Through Baptism, we are made priests, prophets, and kings, called to be bridge-builders who lead others to Him. We are called to be God’s mouthpiece, agents of His Word, and custodians of His power, establishing His sovereignty over all creation.
On this special day, let us pray for the grace to live fully according to our identity in Christ. Amen.
