Homily for Sunday, January 12, 2025

Feast of the Baptism of the Lord

[Deacon Gunther]

A family was driving home from church on Sunday afternoon.  Their four-year-old son in the back seat of the car had just been baptized.  Suddenly, halfway home, he bursts into tears.  His concerned parents ask why are you crying?  The boy sniffles out the answer: “The priest who baptized me said I would be brought up in a Christian home.  But I want to stay with you guys!”

At home I keep a spreadsheet where I record all the baptisms that I have presided over since I was ordained a deacon a little over 10 years ago.  When I reviewed the list, I was surprised that the number of baptisms added up to 136.  But what was really special is a notation I had made beside Ethan and Leyla.  The notation read: “September 9, 2014 my first babies baptized.”  It was a big day for Ethan and Leyla and for me.  That day I was as honoured to administer this sacrament as the parents were excited for their children.  It was a first and a new beginning for me.  And the first sacrament and a new beginning for these children.

And of course, the Sacrament of Baptism is where it begins for us all.  And since most of us were baptised when we were babies ourselves we typically don’t remember the event.  We may not remember that God purified our souls, washed us from our sins, made us his sons and daughters, gave us his Holy Spirit, made us members of our St. Alexander Parish family, and of this Diocese, and of the One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church.

Early in the rite the priest or deacon says: “My dear children, the Church of God receives you with great joy.”  And during the prayer over the water the priest or deacon says: “Let us pray dear brothers and sisters that the Lord God Almighty may bestow new life on this child by water and the Holy Spirit.”

The Church celebrates this sacrament as a community because as a community we pray together, we rejoice together, we grieve together, and we grow in faith together.  Our Christian life is not lived in isolation.  It is to be shared.  Because we are one community we love one another; no matter what your family or marital situation; no matter what your past or present religious affiliation; no matter what your personal history, age, background, race or colour; no matter whatever.  We are to be the love that Jesus has so perfectly demonstrated to the world.

We are reminded that at his baptism even Jesus had a community around him.  Today’s Gospel indicates that all the people were baptised.  It even notes that the Holy Spirit was there in the form of a dove and of fire, and the Father was there in the form of a voice from heaven.

As the baptized Jesus emerges from the waters of the Jordan God’s voice declares: “You are my Son the beloved; with you I am well pleased.”  Revealing who Jesus truly is.  This is a remarkable reminder of the importance of our Baptism.  This sacrament declares our identity as members of the body of Christ.  Just as God declares the baptised Jesus as his Son.  Through baptism we become daughters and sons of God in Jesus Christ.  We become part of His family.

The Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove.  During our Baptisms the Holy Spirit also descended on us.  God looks at us as his dearly loved daughters and sons.  How great is that!

Being baptized allows us at every Eucharist to deepen our identity as children of God.  Watch and listen to Fr. Paul when just before communion he humbly lifts up the Body and Blood of Christ from the altar and points out to us what we are about to receive when he says in the words of John the Baptist: “Behold ... the Lamb of God”.  Meaning look at the one who has come to be sacrificed for us.  Then, as we consume Christ’s Body, He enters our body inviting us as his children to hold on to God and to one another.

The baptism of Jesus was the official beginning of his public ministry and work as the Redeemer.  His baptism was not just an isolated ritual.  It was the beginning of all the work, action, living, dying, and rising he did that led to our redemption.  Jesus fulfilled the Father’s will.  His baptism was the start of his life’s work.  As such He’s the model for all Christians to follow.  For us our Baptism is the beginning of a ritual that we should continue to live out by trying to live in the footsteps of Jesus.

In summary, the deepest roots of our faith tie us to others.  We are linked to those around us.  This feast of The Baptism of the Lord reminds us that we are part of something greater.  I’m connected to little Ethan and Leyla.  And so far, ... 134 others.  But you are all connected as well.  Together we are linked by baptismal water and the Holy Spirit.

My friends, we are called by a love that invites us into a wider and larger faith community.  It is to that community we are called to love God, love others, and follow Christ.  So, remember, like Jesus at the Jordan we are not alone. 

May God bless you.