Reflection for the Baptism of the Lord

This weekend we celebrate the Baptism of the Lord.  Some years, such as last year, we do not celebrate this feast on a Sunday due to how the days fall in the liturgical calendar.  The Gospel tells us of Jesus’ baptism by John the Baptist in the River Jordan. After the baptism, “a voice came from heaven, ‘You are my beloved Son, with you I am well pleased.’” (Luke 3:22)

Our opening song, “When Jesus Comes to Be Baptized”, speaks of this baptism.  The tune is one we know to the words of an Advent song – “On Jordan’s Bank”.  The tune is called Winchester New.

At the preparation of the altar, we sing “Christ, Be Our Light”.  At the baptism of Jesus, we have the first recognition in public as to Christ’s divinity; this is the revelation of Christ as our light, our Savior, our King.  We are to follow Him.  

The concluding hymn “Songs of Thankfulness and Praise” speaks of the three manifestations that I wrote of last week on the Feast of the Epiphany:  manifested by the star to the sages from afar (the Feast of the Epiphany); manifest at Jordan’s stream, Prophet, Priest and King supreme (today on the Baptism of the Lord); and at Cana, as a wedding guest, changing water into wine (next week on the 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time).