Commentary on the Gospel of
Baptism of Jesus
As soon as Jesus was baptised in the river Jordan, the heavens opened and the Holy Spirit descended upon him like a dove, while from on high a voice resounded, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased" (Matthew 3,17). Just as Jesus is the beloved Son of the Father, so we too, reborn of water and the Holy Spirit, know that we are beloved children - the Father loves us all - that we are the object of God's pleasure, brothers and sisters of many others, with a great mission to witness and announce to all people the Father's boundless love.
The feast of the Baptism of Jesus culminates the cycle of Advent, Christmas and Epiphany, which is a mystery of waiting, arrival and manifestation of the Messiah. It is sad to see the end of such a luminous and endearing liturgical season, but let us think that it can always be Advent, Christmas and Epiphany, because we are always waiting for the Lord, since he always comes and reveals himself with ever greater intensity.
But our kingship is Christ, who did not come to be served but to serve.In the Eucharist we should review the quantity and quality of our services; whom we have relieved and defended, with whom we have walked and shared. When Christ celebrated the Eucharist, the first thing he did was an impressive act of service: he washed the feet of his disciples and said: "You do likewise" (Jn.13,15).
Where there is an effort that everyone else avoids, accept it. Do not fall into the error that only great works make merit. Always do good, to all, so that our life may be a canticle, and at the same time a holocaust of universal brotherhood in Christ. The attitude of service is fundamental in a Christian. It is enough to look at the example of Christ. That is why the Second Vatican Council says that the Christian "cannot find his own fulfilment except in the sincere giving of himself to others in love": that is what Christ did.
This thought is beautifully expressed by Rabindranaht Tagore:
"I slept and dreamt that life was joy
I awoke and saw that life is service.
I served, and in service I found joy".
The secret of happiness is in the service of others, and the same is expressed in this humble thought: "He who does not live to serve, does not serve to live". We have been baptised with fire and Spirit, not simply with water. Baptised with fire and Spirit means baptised in love and to love, without limits, or in other words, to serve.
Prayer: Give us, Lord, your eyes, so that we may see our brothers and sisters as your beloved sons and daughters.
HAPPY SUNDAY TO ALL.
