Daily Catholic Lectio. Mon, 8 Jan 2024. In the Jordan

Daily Catholic Lectio

Mon, 8 Jan 2024

The Baptism of the Lord, Feast

Isaiah 55:1-11. Mark 1:7-11

In the Jordan

Today we celebrate the baptism of our Lord. In liturgy, this day brings Christmastide to an end. In a few traditions, the Christmas season goes until the feast of the Presentation of Jesus (on February 2).

On Christmas day, Jesus reveals himself to the Jews (the shepherds); on Epiphany day, he reveals himself to the Gentiles (the wise men from the East); and on the day of his baptism, he reveals himself to the entire humanity. The baptism of the Lord is celebrated as ‘God’s Revelation’ (Theophany). For it is here, for the first time, that we have the revelation of God the Trinity (Father as a voice from heaven, Son in human person, and Holy Spirit in the form of a dove).

(a) The river Jordan

Jesus (in Hebrew or Aramaic, Joshua) comes to the river Jordan to be baptized by John. Joshua and Jordan recall to our minds the crossing of the Jordan (cf. Josh 3) in the Old Testament. The journey of liberation that began under the leadership of Moses concludes in the Jordan where Joshua led the people to the Promised Land. Thus, the river Jordan marks the new beginning in the lives of the people of Israel. Joshua (Jesus) of the New Testament, the originator of the New Israel, gets into the Jordan.

(b) Identity with humanity

The baptism of John was for the forgiveness of sins and for conversion. Jesus’ going to the Jordan tells us his total identity with humanity. The author of the Letter to the Hebrews writes, “Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people” (cf. Heb 2:17).

(c) Baptism with the Holy Spirit

John the Baptist says that the one who comes after him will baptise with the Holy Spirit. At his baptism, the Holy Spirit descends on Jesus. From now on, the Holy Spirit leads him – to the desert to be tempted, and later to the ministry. The Risen Lord breathes on his disciples and gives them the Holy Spirit (cf. Jn 20:22). After his ascension, on the day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit is poured on the apostles.

What is the lesson for us today?

Together with Jesus, we must enter the river Jordan. This becomes the starting point of our lives. Our baptism cleansed us from our sin; we are confirmed in faith through the Holy Spirit at confirmation. Let us be led by the Spirit. The Spirit makes us overcome our human frailty.

In the first reading, the Lord tells the people of Israel, “Come to the waters… why do you labour for that which does not satisfy?” Let our hearts be fixed on that which satisfies our inner spirit. In the faithfulness of God rests our faith.

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Our Holy Father, Pope Francis, says, “The synodal church is led by the Holy Spirit. We listen to the voice of the Spirit in the silence of our hearts.” (Jubilee A.D. 2025, bite 3).

Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi

Archdiocese of Madurai

Missionary of Mercy