Jesus' Baptism

The Feast of the Baptism of the Lord doesn’t get much press. Tucked in between Christmas and Ordinary Time, it can feel like a hidden jewel. Yet this moment marks the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry—when He steps into His mission and lets His light shine.

As I begin my own new service with the Good Shepherd Team, this feast feels especially meaningful. Closing our eyes, we can imagine standing among the crowd on the bank of the Jordan: the sky heavy with clouds, John the Baptist humbly welcoming Jesus into the water. Jesus is submerged, then rises, water streaming from His hair and clothing. Suddenly the clouds part, and the Father’s voice proclaims, “This is my beloved Son.” The Spirit descends like a dove. We see the Trinity.

That declaration of love grounded Jesus for everything that would follow—every challenge, misunderstanding, and moment of suffering. He began His ministry rooted in the unshakable truth of who He was and to whom He belonged.

God Calls Us His Daughters and Sons with Joy and Love

Our own baptisms speak the same truth. God names each of us as His beloved daughters and sons. This identity is not earned and cannot be lost. It doesn’t depend on achievements, wealth, or others’ approval. God’s measure of worth is entirely different: it is based on His steadfast love.

Living From Our Baptism: Our Identity Rooted in God's Love

Each day, we have a choice. We can let the world and its standards of worth define us, often at the cost of anxiety, inconsistency, and disappointment. Alternatively, with much joy, relief, and thanksgiving, we can live from the grace of our baptism, remembering that our deepest identity is rooted in God’s unwavering, merciful love.

When we face setbacks or feel our confidence shaken, we can return to that riverbank in prayer. We can listen again to the tender voice that called us by name at our baptism—and still calls us now: “You are my beloved.”