Fr. Michael Osatofoh Eninlejie, MSP - Homily for the Baptism of the Lord Year B - January 10, 2021

FEAST OF THE BAPTISM OF THE LORD

Isaiah 55:1-11

1 John 5:1-9

Mark 1:7-11

US THE GRACE OF BAPTISM STILL IN YOU?

Today we celebrate the feast of the baptism of our Lord Jesus Christ. This feast marks the end of the Christmas season. From tomorrow, we shall begin the ordinary season of the calendar of the church which will usher us into the lenten season with Ash Wednesday on the 17th of February.

The baptism of Jesus, marks the beginning of his public ministry, a journey that will lead to his death and resurrection.

After the infancy narrative of Jesus, the only time we hear of him again was when he was 12 years old. Nothing is heard about Jesus until he was 30 and was ready to begin his public ministry.

The baptism of John was a fulfilment of the prophecies in the old Testament that Elijah will come and prepare the ground for Jesus. When he finally arrived, Jesus himself testified to the role of John the Baptist.

In the Old Testament, water was used for purification and cleansing as a form of repentance. John therefore called the people to purify themselves so as to be able to receive Jesus.

Many of us may be surprised that Jesus himself went to John to be baptized since he had no sin. The baptism of Jesus was also a moment of his epiphany. The father acknowledged him as his son and revealed him to the world.

In the first reading of today, we hear the prophet Isaiah tell us that Baptism is a gift from God. With baptism, we become children of God. Through baptism God is offering us the kingdom and all the enjoyment in it at no cost.

It is important today that we examine ourselves and our lives as baptised Christians. At baptism, we receive grace to live a good Christian life. During our own baptism, a sign of the cross was made on our foreheads to claim us for Christ, are we still children of God or we have gone astray? A clean white cloth was places on our head, is our heart still pute and clean? A lighted candle was given to us to signify Christ the light, is Christ still the light in our life? we were anointed with the oil of catechumenate and Chrism. Have we allowed the Holy Spirit to work through us for the proclamation of the kingdom of God?

We pray that almighty God will grant us the grace to live as children of God and to keep to our baptismal promises. God help us. Amen.

Fr Michael Osatofoh Eninlejie MSP