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The Baptism of the Lord
Fr. Hugh Gillespie, SMM
The Baptism of the Lord
M erry Christmas.
Today we celebrate the end of the Christmas Season. The Church also celebrates the Baptism of the Lord.
There are a number of surprises, and a number of wonderful and shocking elements in the Mystery celebrated this day – the Baptism of the Lord. We celebrate His Baptism in the Jordan River by His cousin – St. John the Baptist. In St. Mark’s Gospel, he says the Heavens are torn. The Heavens are torn open when Jesus comes up from the water. We often do not focus on this aspect of the Mystery.
Note the wording. Its not that the Heavens are open. The Heavens were torn open. Note again the wording. The Baptism is unique in the history of the world and like no other time. This is remarkable! What does that mean and why is it significant?
The Feast of the Baptism brings to an end the Christmas Season. It begins Ordinary or Ordered time in the liturgical year. It is the Ordered time, according to the public workings of Jesus Christ. There is a change or transition in the way the Church prays.
The End of Our Lord’s Hidden Life
It also brings to an end the Hidden life of Our Lord. From his birth to the time of His Baptism – 30 years – is referred to His Hidden Life. When Jesus was in Heaven, before His birth, the world did not know His name. He was hidden. He first comes into the world, hidden in the womb of Our Lady. Heaven and Earth are touched with His goodness. Yet, He is hidden from the world. Hear more about the Lord’s Hidden Life.
On this day He is no longer hidden. He proceeds from Mary to the world and becomes known. Hear more about the Baptism of the Lord and how it impacts our lives today. Listen to this Gospel and Homily. Hear more within this Meditation Media: the Baptism of the Lord.
NB: At the end of the Homily, there is a 3 part blessing of the Holy Water made available to the attendees at the Shrine of Our Lady. This blessing starts approximately: 20:30 mark of the audio.
The Baptism of Christ: Italian Renaissance Painter: Andrea del Verrocchio (Teacher to Leonardo da Vinci): 1472-1475
This painting was started by the teacher of Leonardo. Leonardo worked a little on this painting near the time it was finished (1475). Notice God the Father and Holy Spirit at the top of the painting.
It also brings to an end the Hidden life of Our Lord. From his birth to the time of His Baptism – 30 years – is referred to His Hidden Life. When Jesus was in Heaven, before His birth, the world did not know His name. He was hidden. He first comes into the world, hidden in the womb of Our Lady. Heaven and Earth are touched with His goodness. Yet, He is hidden from the world. Hear more about the Lord’s Hidden Life.
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