By Rev. Canon David B. Tabo-oy
One day when the crowds were being baptized, Jesus himself was baptized. As he was praying, the heavens opened, and the Holy Spirit, in bodily form, descended on him like a dove. And a voice from heaven said, “You are my dearly loved Son, and you bring me great joy. “
Luke 3:21- -, 22 NLT,
The Christmas season officially ended last Sunday with the start of the Season of the Epiphany. The season started with the remembrance of special visitors of the newly born Christ bearing special gifts with special meanings. In this country the occasion is traditionally and popularly celebrated as Feast of the Three Kings perhaps relating to the number of gifts mentioned in the gospel as gold, frankincense, and myrrh. The number of these honored visitors was never mentioned in the Christmas narratives but are referred to as wise men from the East or Magi. But the meaning of this season is captured by the gesture and reverence of these foreign visitors: this newborn babe has an important role not only for a chosen people but for the whole world. Epiphany (from Koine Greek (!) ðéöÜíåéá, epiphaneia “appearance”, “manifestation”) is a Christian feast day that celebrates the revelation of God the Son as a human being in Jesus Christ. It falls on January 6 and observed in the weeks preceding the Lenten season which starts on Ash Wednesday.
***
This is the first Sunday after the Epiphany of our Lord. It is also liturgically celebrated as the Baptism of Jesus Christ recalling the event where Jesus submitted himself to John the Baptist’s rite at the river Jordan. “One day when the crowds were being baptized, Jesus himself was baptized. As he was praying, the heavens opened….” (Luke 3:21 NLT)
In the season of Epiphany we look at those special events in Jesus’ life where his presence was especially manifested with power. Jesus’ baptism is one of those epiphanies. In the verses earlier mentioned is Luke’s version of the event. The Holy Spirit descended upon him in bodily form as a dove, and a voice came from heaven, “Thou art my beloved Son; with thee I am well pleased.”
***
The new year has just began and I’m sure that more resolutions have been sworn to be accomplished to improve our existence in various aspects. It is very appropriate that we connect these intentions to our understanding about our commitment to Christ as captured in Baptismal vows. But then again most of us no longer remember those vows and worst not even aware that such promises exist. Just to remind us of our Baptismal Covenant as we remember Jesus’ baptism, let us look at some of them in the Q & A format.
***
Celebrant: Will you continue in the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in the
prayers?
People: I will, with God’s help.
Celebrant: Will you be diligent in the study of Holy Scriptures?
People: I will, with God’s help.
Celebrant: Will you proclaim by word and example the Good News of God in Christ?
People: I will, with God’s help.
Celebrant: Will you seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving
your neighbor as yourself?
People: I will, with God’s help.
Celebrant: Will you strive for justice and peace among all people,
and respect the dignity of every human being?
People: I will, with God’s help.
Celebrant: Will you persevere in resisting evil, and, whenever
you fall into sin, repent and return to the Lord?
People: I will, with God’s help.
***
Seriously considering the gist of these promises, let me share this piece written by Paul Paterson about Christian baptism from ‘The Waters of Death.’
Those who are baptized in Jesus do not need to strive after a new life. They have already attained new life through dying with Christ. But they do need to nurture that new life so it can grow and mature. That’s what church is for. That’s what Bible study is for. That’s what prayer is for. It is like the Parable of the Sower. Many of those seeds sprouted up, but only a few grew into maturity. The rest withered and died. A wealthy businessman was horrified to see a fisherman sitting beside his boat, playing with a small child. “Why aren’t you out fishing?” asked the businessman. “Because I caught enough fish for one day, “replied the fisherman. “Why don’t you catch some more? “What would I do with them?”
“You could earn more money,” said the businessman. “Then with the extra money, you could buy a bigger boat, go into deeper waters, and catch more fish. Then you would make enough money to buy nylon nets. With the nets, you could catch even more fish and make more money. With that money you could own two boats, maybe three boats. Eventually you could have a whole fleet of boats and be rich like me.”
“Then what would I do?” asked the fisherman. “Then,” said the businessman, “you could really enjoy life.” The fisherman looked at the businessman quizzically and asked, “What do you think I am doing now?”
The baptism of Jesus is dying to our self-centered endeavors and being resurrected into a life marked by grace and love. When we live in the baptism of Jesus, we touch the hearts of others and help open them to the Holy Spirit and new life in Christ. Are you living and growing in the new life you have been given?
***
Let us pray.
Almighty God, by our baptism into the death and resurrection
of your Son Jesus Christ, you turn us from the old life of sin:
Grant that we, being reborn to new life in him, may live in
righteousness and holiness all our days; through the same Jesus
Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy
Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
