Today, on this feast of the Baptism of the Lord, we read:
“It happened in those days that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized in the Jordan by John. On coming up out of the water he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit, like a dove, descending upon him. And a voice came from the heavens, ‘You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased’” (Mark 1: 9-11).
The big question many people ask is “Why did Jesus get baptized if he was divine?”
Bible scholars and theologians often point out that in Jesus’ time, baptism was seen as a ritual cleansing, signifying that a person was changing direction in life. So, though Jesus was not turning away from sin, since he didn’t have any, he was turning away from the “hidden life” he had led for 30 years, and entering the active, public ministry.
Also, this event gives us another glimpse into the Blessed Trinity: God the Father speaking from the clouds; God the Son being baptized in the River Jordan; and God the Holy Spirit appearing as a dove.
On this feast day, it would be a good thing to learn the date of our own baptism, for just as we celebrate our biological birthdays, maybe we should get into the habit of celebrating our birthday into the Church.