The Baptism of the Lord – 12th January 2025
Today, in union with the whole Church, we celebrate the great event that is the Baptism of the Lord. Today is also a great opportunity for us to remember our own Baptism.
In films, on television and in literature, there is no shortage of heroes. What exactly is a hero? Heroes are generally very ordinary people, who for one reason or another see a situation that needs changing; they rise to the occasion and do what needs to be done. The legendary Robin Hood is a very good example of a hero. Scripture too is filled with God’s heroes; ordinary people who when filled with God’s own life and Spirit, do amazing things.
When God’s Spirit filled Mary with courage after she was asked to be the mother of Jesus, what was her response? She did something, she moved, she took action. She went to see Elizabeth. Joseph, when he was unsure what to do, was told not to be afraid and filled with the Holy Spirit, did what he was asked to do; he took Mary into his home as his wife. When Elizabeth welcomed Mary, what did she do? Filled with the Holy Spirit, she broke into song and praised God! Her own husband, Zechariah, when filled with God’s Spirit, also broke out in loud praise of God. At Pentecost when the frail and frightened followers were filled with God’s life-changing Spirit, what did they do? They gave up their fear and went out with courage to proclaim the Good News of the Gospel. All these are God’s heroes; ordinary people who did amazing things because they were filled with God’s life-giving Spirit. When Jesus was baptised, he too like his ancestors and those in own family was changed and called to action; he began his public ministry of proclaiming the Good News to the poor.