Baptism of our Lord 2008

It might seem strange for us, but we are still celebrating Christmas today. The figures of the crib are all away, the Christmas tree and the lights removed, the decorations are packed away. But for the Church the Christmas season doesn’t end until this day, the feast of the baptism of our Lord, is complete. It seems strange to us, but I think that Church wants to deepen the meaning of the Feast of Christmas in our lives by extending it to today - God made man, God with us, God come on earth, God in the world, God in the human family. And so Christmas reminds us this truth - God is with us in the child of Bethlhem but God is also with us in the man Jesus whose public ministry begins with his baptism. This great event that happens in the Jordan when he who is baptised who doesn’t need baptism. When he is confirmed as God’s son, where he is given the Holy Spirit, where others are told to listen to him and follow him. It is a moment that is full of power, a moment that is decisive and important in Our Lord’s life. God has been made man, God has come on earth – it is the Christmas message. He is about to speak and change people’s hearts; he is about to heal people who are broken; he is about to change the course of the world; he is about to forgive the sins of the world.

Most weeks here in our parish a baptism takes place. Normally it is a child just born or only a matter of weeks and months. These occasions are moments of the greatest joy for parents and family. They are full of joy that their child is born into the world and full of joy that a child is given this new life of baptism, a new life of grace and faith. They are delighted to see this new child that brings great happiness to all. What begins from that moment is an acknowledgment that their life is different, they walk by the light of faith. What a wonderful thing it is to see that life of faith grow in someone. Someone who knows God, believes in God, prays to God, is faithful to God in their life. What a wonderful thing it is to see in children, young people and adults living the life of baptism. Christmas is about God being born into the world and baptism is about God being born into our heart, our soul, our lives. What an amazing journey it is, it takes us to places we didn’t think we would go, it makes us do things we didn’t think we were capable of, it makes us live in a different way, all because of this great gift that we are given. In baptism God says he loves us; in baptism he offers us his friendship; in baptism he offers us a new life.

I am glad that the Christmas season ends with this feast, not with the feast of the Epiphany. It reminds us the truth that lies at the heart of Christmas: God is born into the world, into a family, into time, into a place and finally he is born into my heart and life in baptism. He has come to make his home with me. He has chosen me to live in. he has given me his friendship. He has given me his love. He has specially chosen me. I am his child, he has carved me on the palm of his hand. When God loves us, is it not our greatest desire to love him in return? Isn’t that what the journey of faith in baptism is all about: he love us and it is our greatest desire to love him in return. To listen to and follow the Holy Son of God who was confirmed by God the Father, anointed with the Holy Spirit and pointed out as the one we must follow, listen to and believe in.

Baptism of the Lord Intercessions

Priest

John baptised Jesus in the river Jordan. May our baptism remind us of the grace given to lead a new life and to offer a light to a darkened world

Intercessor

In baptism it is promised that we will change our life – for the courage to live up to that promise

We pray to the Lord

In baptism it is promised that we will live with faith – for a deeper commitment to the life of faith and good works.

We pray to the Lord

For children and adults receiving baptism, that they will live the grace of their baptism all their lives.

We pray to the Lord.

For those who have seemingly lost their baptismal faith in the midst of other concerns in their life

We pray to the Lord

For all our deceased that we are asked to remember in prayer

We pray to the Lord

Priest

We thank you for the gift of the new life given through baptism. In this coming year gives us all that we need: courage, perseverance, joy and faithfulness in living out our baptismal promises. Top Comment on this Homily