Dear beloved parishioners,

Today's feast, the Baptism of Our Lord, marks the end of the Christmas season for the liturgical year 2026. Following this feast, we will begin to focus on Jesus' public ministry, which will lead us to His Passion, Death, and Resurrection.

You may wonder why the celebration of Jesus' baptism occurs immediately after the solemnity of His Nativity (Christmas), even though many years separated these two events. St. Maximus of Turin provides a profound insight: "At Christmas, Jesus was born a man; today He is born sacramentally. When He was born as a man, His mother, Mary, held Him close to her heart. When He is born in mystery, God the Father embraces Him with His voice when He proclaims: 'This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; listen to Him.'While the Mother holds the child for the Magi to adore, the Father reveals that His Son is to be worshiped by all nations." Thus, it is clear that these two events are closely connected.

In the Gospel of Luke, we learn that Jesus was baptized after all the people had been baptized. Again, one might wonder, "Why would a holy God-Man desire baptism?" The answer is this: Christ is baptized not to become holy through the water (for He was holy from the beginning) but to sanctify the baptismal waters. This act purifies the waters intended for baptism, ensuring that all who are baptized after Him can be cleansed of their sins.

But why did Jesus choose to be baptized alongside others? He wanted to demonstrate that, from the very beginning of His mission, He identifies with sinners even though He remains sinless. He stands with us, regardless of our sins-not to condone our wrongdoing but to call us to repentance. He does not judge, despise, or show contempt for us; instead, He shares in our struggles, anxieties, and misfortunes. It's as if He is saying, "I came for sinners like you; I came to save you. Do not be discouraged by your sinfulness or overwhelmed by your weaknesses. If you persist in your sins, you will perish. Renounce your sins today, repent, and trust in my mercy-do not delay; hurry! 'Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation' (2 Corinthians 6:2)."

On the other hand, the evangelist Mark (1:10) tells us that the Spirit descended on Jesus in bodily form, resembling a dove. The Baptist, however, had promised that the Spirit would come like a devouring fire. Here, the symbol of fire is replaced by a dove, which represents affection, kindness, and generosity. The Spirit of God is not violent; it does not attack sinners nor come "like a lion." Instead, it comes gently, like a dove. Therefore, when you seek to hear God speak to you through the Spirit, it is important to quiet your senses. By meditating and praying in the silence of your heart, you will be able to hear God's voice in the power of His Spirit.

Finally, we hear the voice of God the Father introducing the baptized Jesus: "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased ..." The exact words were inaudibly spoken to us during our baptism. We became the beloved sons and daughters of God. This is the Mystery of our baptism! The Father loves us in his beloved Son, by the strength of the Holy Spirit!

As we meditate upon this mystery, it is important that we remind ourselves of our baptismal promises and see whether we are still committed to their observance. It is only that commitment that will make us beloved sons and daughters of God at all times. It is also essential to associate ourselves with those who are less fortunate among us; to feel and share their misery, as this is the only way that will help us be compassionate to them. By so doing, we shall imitate our Savior who immersed himself in our human condition.

Yours in the Newborn Savior,

Fr. Thomas Kagumisa

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