The Feast of the Baptism of the Lord
Readings: Isaiah 40:1–5, 9–11, Psalm 103(104):1–4, 24–25, 27–30, Titus 2:11–14, 3:4–7, Luke 3:15–16, 21–22
12 January 2024
What we have to do is to give up everything that does not lead to God. TT 2:12
I clearly remember reading these words for the first time when I was a young adult. I had recently had something of a spiritual awakening and was taking my childhood Catholic faith a lot more seriously. I had started reading the Bible more often and I remember sitting one evening in my parents’ home, praying with today’s second reading. It was as if the words were jumping off the page: “What we have to do is to give up everything that does not lead to God.” In my mind, the word “everything” was underlined. In the years since, I have come to wish I had the same zeal. How can we keep responding to this exhortation when we know our own weakness and limitations.
Today we recall Christ’s Baptism, and I think it is fitting that we either recall the gift of our own Baptism or anticipate our future Baptism. In that moment, we were (or will be) reborn in Christ: the Trinity came to dwell in us, all our sins were forgiven, we were incorporated into the Church, and we can now live in the power of the Holy Spirit (CCC 1262 ff). Here is why to choose God again, and to “give up everything that does not lead to God”.
Lord, thank you for the grace of Baptism. Renew me today so that I may live in the power you gave me in that moment, so that I may remain close you. Amen.
Sr Anastasia Reeves OP
Artist Spotlight
Baptism of Christ by Giovanni Bellini (1430–1516)
Baptism of Christ (c. 1500–1502). Tempera on panel, 400cm × 263cm. Chiesa di Santa Corona, Vicenza, Italy. Public Domain.
Baptism was a defining moment in the life of Jesus— it marked the beginning of his public mission. His Baptism, of course, reminds us of our own. There are many offices people can hold in the Church, but all pale when compared to the basic gift to all—Baptism. When we stand before the throne of God, our dignity will depend on one thing only: the extent to which we lived our baptismal calling.
The ceremony of Baptism is most meaningful. We were welcomed into a new family—the family of God’s people. We were formally given a name— hopefully a family name: the name of a saint. Our body was signed with the Cross, the mark of Christ’s love for us, and a reminder that in life we must carry the Cross in some form.
Water was poured over us. Water is a sign of life because without it we die. In Baptism, we were given a share in the undying life of God. Our bodies were anointed with the oil that was blessed by the bishop the previous Holy Thursday. In this way, the bishop, a successor of the apostles, is in some way present in every Baptism. Oil has great symbolism. We use it in medicine as ointment—Christ is our healer. Christ is also our strength—in the time of St Paul (familiar with the Olympics) the bodies of athletes were smeared with oil to strengthen them. And oil is a sign of wealth—we still judge the world’s economy by the price of oil. Christ is our true wealth.
Our body was clothed with a white garment, the outward sign of our Christian dignity. The Scriptures speak about us wearing this robe as we enter heaven. And we were given a candle lit from the Easter Candle as a sign of Christ’s light spreading in the world by means of this new Christian life. God has called us out of darkness into the wonderful light of his Son. (The first name given to this sacrament was “Enlightenment”!)
What happened at the Baptism of Jesus happened at our own. God said to each of us, his adopted children, “You are my beloved son/my beloved daughter. In you I am well pleased.” God never changes his mind. St Paul quotes a Roman law which still exists in our English law—an adopted child enjoys all the rights and privileges of the natural child of a marriage. We enjoy all the rights and privileges of Christ, the only Son.
To be baptised is to be “christened”—made like Christ. This does not happen automatically. One must learn to be a Christian. It is the task of a lifetime, and it is why we need the help and example of the other members of God’s family. Towards the end of his life, one of the saints was asked if he were a Christian. He replied, “Not yet.”
Giovanni Bellini (1430–1516) was an Italian Renaissance painter, probably the best known of the Bellini family of Venetian painters. He was considered to have revolutionised Venetian painting, moving it to a more sensuous and colouristic style. His atmospheric landscapes had a great effect on one of his pupils, Titian.
His Baptism of Christ (c. 1500–1502) is still in place in Chiesa di Santa Corona in Vicenza. It is one of his first, and you can see his signature on a rock in the lower right. According to legend, the Jordan River’s waters stopped flowing when Jesus was baptised. This location is believed to be where the Israelites crossed into the Promised Land after their exodus from Egypt (cf. Joshua 3:15). Bellini depicts Jesus standing on the dry riverbed, illuminated by light from the right that highlights his pale skin, capturing our immediate attention.
Bellini intentionally omits the crowds described in the Gospels, choosing to centre his attention solely on Christ. Positioned to the left are three female figures representing the three theological virtues. One woman is shown in prayer, while the other two hold the garments that Christ has removed. But notice the colour of the garments! They are the same colour as those worn by the Father, who is depicted sending out the Holy Spirit. Through this subtle detail, Bellini conveys the equality between the Son and the Father. A small red parrot observes the scene, symbolising the impending Passion.
Bellini makes an unusual addition. Besides his customary staff in the form of a cross, the Baptist holds an open scroll, symbol of his preaching that has led to Christ.
Monsignor Graham Schmitzer
Sr Anastasia Reeves OP a member of the Dominican Sisters of St Cecilia from the South Coast of NSW, has studied engineering, education, philosophy, and theology. Since entering religious life in 2010, she has taught high school mathematics and religion in Australia and the US. She now serves with the Parish Renewal Team in the Archdiocese of Sydney.
Monsignor Graham Schmitzer, retired parish priest of Immaculate Conception Parish in Unanderra, NSW, was ordained in 1969 and served in many parishes in the Diocese of Wollongong. He was chancellor and secretary to Bishop William Murray for 13 years. Raised in Port Macquarie and educated by the Sisters of St Joseph of Lochinvar, he worked for the Department of Attorney General and Justice before entering St Columba’s College in 1962. He enjoys travelling and visiting major European art galleries.
With thanks to the Diocese of Wollongong, who have supplied this reflection from their publication, The Sign: Advent and Christmas Reflections 2024. Reproduced with permission.
