Recognizing the Power of our Baptism

January 10, 2021

Today we celebrate the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord.  It is an amazing experience of recognition and the power of the Trinity.  Jesus experiences the Holy Spirit descend and the voice proclaiming “You are my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased.” This recognition transitions Jesus into His public life.  He takes the confidence of the experience and moves forward to fulfill the mission given to Him by His heavenly Father.  We too have been Baptized in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.  We are to transition on this Feast from the wonder and awe of the Christmas season to a time of growth.

Ordinary Time, as it is called, is not ordinary by any means.  We are called to break open the mysteries we have just celebrated.  We are to break open what it means to know what God looks like by understanding the movement and message of Jesus.  We are to know that the power of this love is greater than anything in its way.  From the shepherds to kings, from prophets to prophetesses, all recognize this Jesus as a light.  We are to allow this light to transform our lives.  We are to realize beyond the gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh, He gives us the gift of salvation which can never be returned.

The breaking open of the mystery is a prayer form found in the traditions of our Church.  May we take the time to revisit the mystery poured out for us and allow it to lead us to new growth in our lives.

Father John Ouper