The Baptism of Jesus Christ was pretty spectacular. A dove descended from Heaven and the voice of God could be heard. Fr. Danny Gustafson, SJ, reflects on the ways that God is similarly present at every baptism. Based on the readings for Sunday, January 9, 2022.
What happened at the last baptism you attended? Did the baby cry? Were pictures taken? Do you remember?
Hi, I’m Fr. Danny Gustafson, and this is my One-Minute Homily.
Baptisms can be memorable for any number of reasons. Jesus’ own baptism might take the cake though. After John baptized him, the Holy Spirit came down like a dove and God the Father spoke from heaven, “You are my beloved Son, with you I am well pleased.” How’s that for memorable? The whole Trinity is present and active!
Here’s the thing, though – God is just as present and active at every single baptism. Sure, there might not be doves and voices from Heaven, but God is still saying basically the same thing. In baptism, we are united more closely with Jesus, whose own baptism we celebrate today. And as we are baptized into the body of Christ, God tells us the very same message – You are my beloved son or daughter, with you I am well pleased. How’s that for memorable?
