Church of the
Annunciation

7580 Clinton Street
Elma, New York 14059

716.683.5254

January 10, 2021

Baptism of the Lord

On this celebration of the Baptism of the Lord, we can ask the question: “Was it necessary for Jesus to be baptized?” John the Baptist explains his baptism as a repentance for the forgiveness of sins. Jesus is with us in all things but sin. Why would he choose to be baptized?

The answer may be found in next Sunday’s Gospel according to John. When Jesus is walking by or away, John the Baptist identifies Jesus, “Behold, the Lamb of God.” Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. Jesus enters the Jordan River and is immersed in the water for our sins. Pope Emeritus Benedict describes the baptism of Jesus as an expression of his fundamental submission to God’s will and his association with sinners. With radical humility, Jesus accompanies us. He so fully embraces our humanity that he takes upon himself our sins for our redemption and dies on the cross. 

 At his baptism, Jesus receives a sealing or anointing of Divine approval. When he comes up from the water, the heavens open and the Spirit comes down like a dove. Jesus hears a voice from the heavens, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.” Here we see a simple and profound revelation of the Trinity: God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

We can draw parallels between the baptism of Jesus and our own. At our baptism there is renunciation of sin that holds power over us and a profession of faith in God and the forgiveness of our sins. What happened on January 6, 2021 will remind us of the power of evil when a rally turns into a mob. In the wake of the assault on the Senate and House of Representatives we find destruction, death and desecration. At this time of national horror, disgrace and reflection we must come to grips with our sinful condition and hold to the promise of God’s redemptive love and mercy in Jesus Christ. It is a baptismal event. 

When we are baptized, God the Father beholds us with delight, exclaiming, “You are my beloved son, you are my beloved daughter with whom I am well pleased.” As adopted children of God, as God’s child, we are drawn into the very life of God and His merciful and sanctifying grace. Please join me as we renew our baptismal promises.

Do you reject Satan? R. I do.

And all his works? R. I do.

And all his empty promises? R. I do.

Do you believe in God, the Father Almighty, creator of heaven and earth? R. I do.

Do you believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was born of the Virgin Mary was crucified, died, and was buried, rose from the dead, and is now seated at the right hand of the Father? R. I do.

Do you believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting? R. I do.

 

God, the all-powerful Father of our Lord Jesus Christ has given us a new birth by water and the Holy Spirit, and forgiven all our sins. May he also keep us faithful to our Lord Jesus Christ for ever and ever.   R. Amen

 

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Epiphany

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2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time

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