What It All Means

The Advent/Christmas season concludes today with Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, this year, rather abruptly following the Epiphany of the Lord. It is the summation of all that we have been pondering and celebrating since the first Sunday of Advent at the end of November. A long time ago, or just barely the wink of an eye back? Time flies. Today we have Jesus, no longer a babe in a manger, but a grown man, standing in the waters of the River Jordan receiving John's baptism, a sign of the desire to turn one's life completely over to God...John preached repentance and this is how it was accepted into each individual's life. However, in the case of Jesus, a specatular event occured: A voice from heaven was heard booming, "You are my beloved Son, with you I am well-pleased" (Mk 1: 11). The Spirit in the form of a dove descended from heaven upon him as well. The three persons of the Blessed Trinity were present, assuring Jesus (and us) of his identity. We referred to Emmanuel, God-with-us, throughout this season, and now it all comes together in this moment: Truly God is among us in Jesus. Through our own baptisms, we have become children of God and so these words, "You are my Son (daughter), with you I am well pleased" apply to us as well. We are vessels of Emmanuel, for God is with us in a very real way. Our identity is clear; we are not simply human, but we also have the divine element lifting us up a peg higher. What a privilege, what an responsibility! "What's it all about, Alfie?" This is what it's all about: we are not our own, we are God's.
Bro. Rene