The Feast of the Baptism of the Lord
Readings: Isaiah 55:1-11; Isaiah 12:2-6; Mark 1:7-11
8 January 2024
“You are my Son, the Beloved; my favour rests on you.” – Mark 1:11
Jesus had the unqualified endorsement of God. On the day of his Baptism, the voice from heaven said: “You are my beloved son. On you my favour rests” (Mk 1:11). By studying the life of Jesus, we can learn what the favour of God really means, and how it applies to each of us. We are inclined to think of material abundance and comfort, that it is difficult for us to think in another gear.
But looking at the life of Jesus, we conclude that divine favour primarily means a chance to participate in the great redemptive work of God. He trusted the Father with his whole heart and was devoted to doing his will. Jesus’ entire life was defined by this. Whenever he spoke of himself, it was always in terms of a saving mission through service. A description of Jesus’ life to the modern ear would sound unappealing: no permanent home, no steady income, no stable routine.
None of this mattered to Jesus because he was involved in the work of his Father, a work to which he was committed with single-minded resolve. Our commitment to Jesus is often less than single-minded because we are distracted by the need to succeed, the pressure to accumulate, the desire for adulation.
We do not need to try and win God’s favour. Nothing we can do will prove our worthiness of God’s love, yet God loves us anyway. We are already blessed sons and daughters of God. We just need to find our place in God’s great work of redemption.
Lord, let the burden of our failures and hurts never overwhelm your voice which proclaims that we are blessed and loved. Amen.
Fr Sean Cullen
Fr Sean Cullen is the parish priest of Corpus Christi Catholic Parish in Mittagong–Bowral. He was ordained in 1984 and has served in a number of parishes in the diocese. Over the years, he has undertaken various diocesan roles including vocations director, master of ceremonies, Council of Priests, and chair of the Diocesan Liturgical Commission. He is currently the diocesan episcopal vicar for clergy.
With thanks to the Diocese of Wollongong, who have supplied this reflection from their publication, The Sign: Advent and Christmas Reflections 2023. Reproduced with permission.
