The Baptism of the Lord
Over the holidays I went to see the movie “Moana”. The film had amazing animation and lovely music, but I was particularly enchanted by Moana the young princess who was striving to know who she was and how she was being encouraged to live out that calling. How often as adults do we stop and take time to reflect upon who we really are and what is our deepest calling. Today’s readings demonstrate who we are at the core of our being- “beloved sons and daughters” of God.
As Christians, we believe that Jesus came here to earth to show us how to live. In the first reading, Isaiah describes a servant of God who has been specially chosen by God to bring justice and be a light for the nations. As we read this passage, it seems obvious that the prophet is proclaiming the coming of Christ as he describes this special relationship between God and this individual. But if we are called to follow Jesus in all ways, do these words have meaning for us? Is God promising to send down His Spirit to us so we can bring justice to the nations? Can we be that “chosen one” who can be a light for others? Do we know that God has formed us and He grasps us by the hand to lead us?
The gospel reading describes the Baptism of Jesus. Jesus encourages John to baptize Him because Jesus realizes that He is setting the example for those who will be His disciples. Jesus receives the Spirit and the blessing of the Father as He declares Jesus as “my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” Jesus does not need to be baptized, since He is the Son of God, but He chooses to be baptized, so others may see that God wants to invite other people into this relationship of beloved sons and daughters. It is through His humility that Jesus surrenders, and it is this openness that provides the channel for the love between Father and Son. Jesus shows us that it is our willingness to be open and empty before the Father that allows us to be filled with His Spirit and become beloved children.
When I stop and think about “who am I?” the simple answers are wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, friend etc. Most of who I think I am is based upon my relationships. However, if you removed all of these, would I cease to be who I am? As I reflect on the readings, I begin to realize that the deepest part of me (the part that is my true self) is the “me” in relationship with God. The “who I am” that matters is the part that longs for God and realizes how much He loves me. This true self finds consolation and courage knowing that God is “grasping my hand” to be with me and guide me. The directive to go out and be a “light for nations” and bring justice is not just something I pass off to others, but I accept this calling because I know He calls me His “chosen one.” Most importantly, I know that this can only be done because He has put His Spirit within me. As a disciple of Jesus, when I surrender to the Father as He did, I receive not only His Spirit, but I also receive the Father’s blessing as he calls me his “beloved son/ daughter.
At the end of the movie “Moana”, the young princess discovers who she is, and she is able to live out what she has been called to do. What would it be like to live in the belief that I am the “beloved daughter/son or God”? I think if we could truly live from this vantage point, prayer would be an integral part of our day, since we would want constant communication with our Father who loves us. Jesus shows us how to be the perfect son/daughter, so we would turn to Him through sacrament, scripture and prayer to learn how to imitate Him in how we live. The other relationships I have would not cease to exist, but would be enriched by this primary relationship of being a beloved, since it is through the love of God that everything else gains meaning and purpose. If “who I am” is a beloved son/ daughter of God, then my purpose is not only to love Him in return, but to share His love with others through my life of compassion, mercy, peace and love.
'Heavenly Father, you sent Jesus to show us how you call all of us to be Your beloved children. Through the grace of Your Spirit, help us to know Your love so we can go forth into the world to bring your justice and love to others. May we live our lives on fire with your love, so you can say to us, “This is my beloved son/ daughter with whom I am well pleased.” We pray this through Christ our LORD. Amen.'
Marylynn Herchline