Breakfast with the Word – Baptism of the Lord (Year A) (Shorter Version)
Isaiah 42:1–4, 6–7; Acts 10:34–38; Matthew 3:13–17
The feast of the Baptism of the Lord brings the Christmas season to its close and reveals, in a powerful way, who Jesus truly is.
After the Epiphany made Him known to the nations, the baptism at the Jordan becomes a second Epiphany, where the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit are made manifest together.
Though Jesus is sinless, He deliberately comes from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John, choosing to identify fully with sinners and to enter into the human condition.
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By submitting to John’s baptism, Jesus shows that salvation is not achieved from a distance but through humility, obedience, and solidarity with humanity.
When Jesus rises from the water, the heavens open, the Spirit descends like a dove, and the Father’s voice declares Him the beloved Son.
This moment reveals Jesus’ identity, confirms His mission, and marks the beginning of His public ministry. It also reminds us that God’s love comes before achievement, that obedience opens heaven, and that through baptism we too are restored to communion with God, equipped by the Holy Spirit, and called to live as beloved children who submit faithfully to God’s will.
Conclusion:
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Jesus identifies Himself fully with His people and their need for repentance. It means that Baptism is essential for all, not only for those considered outsiders.
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The opening of heaven signifies the restoration of communion between God and humanity. What sin closed through Adam, obedience reopens through Christ. The descent of the Spirit like a dove signifies peace, new creation, and divine presence. At our baptism, heaven is also opened and we become adopted children of God.
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During the baptism, God publicly confirms Jesus’ identity and mission. It means that God’s love is not based on performance but on relationship. We are loved and chosen before we achieve or succeed.
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Jesus’ baptism is a moment of decision, ending His hidden life and beginning His mission. It is a moment of divine approval and assurance from the Father. It is a moment of conviction, revealing the path of the suffering servant and the cross. It is a moment of empowerment through the Holy Spirit.
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The baptism reveals the Holy Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. So, at our baptism, the Holy Trinity is involved.
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As Jesus submitted His life, we have to do the same to God. So, to encounter God deeply, we must submit to His will in obedience. Humility is necessary to fulfill God’s plan for our lives.
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Being close to God does not remove trials, temptations, or suffering. Faithfulness requires perseverance even in difficulties. We are invited to examine whether our lives truly please God.
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Repentance remains central to authentic Christian living. The Holy Spirit equips us to fulfill our mission and to do good. A true divine encounter comes through repentance, obedience, and surrender to God’s plan.
May God grant us the grace to live in humility, repentance, and total obedience to His will. Amen.
