“Go and Proclaim: The Light of our Lord Jesus Christ in You”
First Reading: Isaiah 42:1-7
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 29
Second Reading: Acts 10:34-38
Gospel Reading: Mark 1:4-11
Homily by Fr. Romie-Jun Peñalosa
THE FEAST OF THE BAPTISM OF THE LORD
(A RECAPITULATION BASED ON THE HOMILY OF +FR. ROMIE JUN PEÑALOSA)
What is baptism? And why did Jesus Himself asked to be baptized?
The Gospel of Mark today tells us the story of Jesus’ baptism at the river of Jordan. Why at Jordan River of all places? Is it a holy river?
Father Jun in his homily today shared his thoughts about Jesus’ baptism. The Jordan River does not have anything special thing about it. Joseph and Mary, his parents, were also not special people in the society. Yet they were called a holy family. This is because the mere presence of Jesus in everything is what make things holy. The Jordan River became holy when Jesus chose to be baptized there. The family of Joseph became holy when Jesus was born and became part of that family. Baptism then gives us the opportunity and privilege to immerse in the life of Christ. It was in baptism that life started in us. So if you want to become holy, invite Jesus in your life. The presence of Jesus in our lives makes us holy.
John’s baptism in our gospel reading was a baptism of repentance. As we know, John was sent ahead to pave the way for Jesus. Yet Jesus who has no sin asked him to be baptizez. Why? First, Jesus, himself value baptism. We need to realize that our baptism is very significant to God. In baptism, we need to reflect, contemplate and constantly be reminded of our likeness to Him. Second, Jesus wanted to be identified with us, sinful, ordinary men and women. So why did God in His supremacy and greatness come down from heaven to be like us? So that we could be like Him also. What a great love for us!
Our baptism comes with responsibilities. So we need to continually immerse ourselves physically, emotionally and spiritually in order to stay in the life of Christ.
Three responsibilities in our baptism:
Repent. Repentance is part our covenant. So every time we sinned, we should repent.
Speak the truth. Embrace the truth; practice telling the truth.
Serve. As baptized people, we are called to serve; meaning, we should participate in helping others.
Living holy lives means constantly inviting Jesus to live in us. Yes, we continually sin, but let us remember that the presence of Jesus in our lives makes us say NO to sin. This is what makes us holy.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saintmichaelkalibo
Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/141718362@N07/
Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/104587191745272872189
Tumblr: http://saintmichaelkalibo.tumblr.com/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/stmichaelkalibo/
Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/saintmichaelkalibo/
Blogger: http://saintmichaelkalibo.blogspot.com/
iTunes Podcast: https://itunes.apple.com/ph/podcast/cathedral-church-saint-michael/id1139105076
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4DiiezN2MKXqq8OX7pvhaZ
