Feat of the Baptism of Jesus Christ

Introduction.

Today is the Feast of the Baptism of our Lord Jesus Christ, end of Christmas season, and the beginning of ordinary time. Back to green. Jesus started his ministry after his baptism, and the grace and power of the Holy Spirit from his baptism continues to flow to us in our own baptisms.

Body

In our Gospel today Jesus comes from Galilee to the Jordan River for baptism by John. Galilee means “Transmigration” and Jordan means “decent”, Jesus migrated from God’s side to humanity God Incarnate, descanting down in humility to be baptized by John a human, not that he needed it but to fulfill the law in the old testament way of baptism so to bring the new powerful baptism by water and Spirit in the name of the father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. When Jesus was baptized, the heavens opened and the Spirit descents upon him and the Father said this is my beloved son in whom I am well pleased. God the Father Son and Holy Spirit were present was present in our own baptisms. Jesus after his resurrection, at the end of this Gospel sends his disciples back up to Galilee giving them the great commission, saying. “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you and behold I am with you always until the end of the age”. And they did that exactly after they received the Holy Spirit coming upon them in Pentecost. And HERE WE ARE! Now is our Turn.

Conclusion:

Many of us here were baptized as infants, having no memory of that 1st wonderful Spiritual event that occurred very early in our lives. Most of us do not know the date of our baptisms and most importantly do not know the baptismal promises our parents and Godparents, the priest or deacon made in faith for us at your baptism? But the heavens were still open at our own baptism and the Holy Spirit continues to pouring out on us every spiritual blessing as God’s beloved daughters and sons in Christ Jesus our Lord. Now It is our turn to fulfill the great commission in our own life circumstances with people God places in our lives, telling of God’s Love, God Incarnate in Jesus Christ descending in humility, God with us Emmanuel, dying for our sins, rising from the dead, to raise us from death and give us eternal. It’s our turn to feed the poor cloth the naked visit the sick, mourn with those who mourn rejoice with those who rejoice, making peace in Jesus name. You say Deacon I that sound great but I can’t do all that? And I say yes you can if you want to, it starts with by making the baptismal promises made for you, your own, renewing them? Taking them seriously, Do you know them? I will recite them, your response is a heartfelt I DO, if you cannot say a heartfelt, I DO or do not understand them, ask a priest or deacon. Here they come are you ready?

Baptismal Promises:

Do You reject Satan?

And All his works?

And all his empty promises?

Do you believe in God the father almighty, creator of heaven and earth?

Do you believe in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord, who was born of the virgin Mary, was crucified, died and was buried, rose from the dead and now is seated at the right hand of the Father?

Do you believe in the Holy Spirit, the Holy Catholic Church the communion of saints, forgiveness of sins, and the resurrection of the body and life everlasting?

AMEN This is our faith the faith of the Church we are proud of. Now is your turn to “go make disciples” +