St. Bernadette Mission — Sunday Reflection
Baptism of Our Lord, Jesus Christ
Baptism of Jesus
Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist in the River Jordan. When Jesus came out of the water, heaven opened, the Holy Spirit descended like a dove, and the Father’s voice was heard:
“This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” — Matthew 3:17
Though Jesus was sinless, He accepted baptism to fulfill God’s plan and to show us
the way of obedience. His baptism revealed the Holy Trinity and marked the
beginning of His public ministry.
Importance of Baptism in Our Life
The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 1212) reminds us that
“The sacraments of Christian initiation — Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist — lay the foundations of every Christian life.” — CCC 1212
“Unless one is born of water and the Spirit, one cannot enter the Kingdom of God.” — John 3:5
Baptism is the doorway to Christian life. Through Baptism our sins are forgiven, we become children of God, we receive new life in the Holy Spirit, and we are made members of the Church.
In Syro-Malabar liturgy, the priest prays that the baptized may be “Clothed with Christ and filled with the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Sacraments of Christian Initiation
In the Syro-Malabar liturgy, the three Sacraments of Initiation are given together: Baptism, Confirmation (Holy Chrismation), and Holy Qurbana (Eucharist). These sacraments help us grow fully in our Christian life.
Baptism gives us new life in Christ.
“All of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.” — Galatians 3:27
Confirmation strengthens us with the Holy Spirit.
“You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you.” — Acts 1:8
Holy Qurbana nourishes us spiritually.
“I am the bread of life.” — John 6:35
“May we be made worthy to receive these life-giving mysteries for the forgiveness of sins and eternal life.” — Syro-Malabar Holy Qurbana.
Our Christian Mission
Baptism is the doorway to Christianity. Through Baptism, we become members of the Church and are welcomed into the family of God. Jesus Himself began His public
ministry after being baptized in the River Jordan. In the same way, every baptized person is called to continue the mission of Jesus by living the Gospel and proclaiming the Good News through our words and actions.
