Today is the last day in the Christmas season. Monday brings us into Ordinary Time again. Jesus’ baptism in the river Jordan is portrayed as a further manifestation of Jesus’ identity and mission. It is like another Epiphany.
Three things signal this divine manifestation: the opening of the heavens, the descending dove-like Spirit, and the heavenly voice acclaiming Jesus as the beloved Son of God. So this feast of the Baptism of the Lord expresses the extraordinarily rich identity of Jesus right before he begins his divine-sent mission and public ministry for the salvation of humankind.
The liturgy today draws us into this scene and the clear manifestation of who Jesus is. What has helped to clarify for you who Jesus Christ is? How does this realization help you to live differently?