HOMILY FOR BAPTISM OF THE LORD — YEAR C

HOMILY FOR BAPTISM OF THE LORD — YEAR C
HOMILY THEME: SUBMISSION TO GOD’S WILL
BY: Fr Isaac Awe
Isaiah 40:1-5,9-11/ Titus 2:11-17; 3:4-7/Luke 3:15-16,21-22
Have we ever wondered why Jesus did need to be baptized?
Dear friends in Christ, the baptism of Jesus should be seen in three dimensions: Baptism as initiation, call to discipleship and finally as a commissioning to preach, teach and heal.
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Michael Green, a British theologian says: “By submitting to baptism, Jesus acknowledged God’s claim on him, as in others, for total consecration of life and holiness of character” (The message of Matthew -Michael Green). Today, we solemnly celebrate the feast of “The baptism of the lord.” Till yesterday, we celebrated an ‘infant Jesus’. From today, we celebrate an ‘adult Jesus’
REASONS FOR JESUS’ BAPTISM :
It was the sign of Jesus’ complete dedication to follow God’s will. Jesus’ baptism was simply a public declaration of his commitment to the Father.
Jesus’ baptism announced the beginning of his earthly ministry. This Jesus’ baptism was an initiation for ministry.
Jesus did it to show his unity and solidarity with the human race, which he came to save.
He did it to sanctify the water of baptism, so that our sins are washed away and we come to a state of grace in order to follow him.
Jesus did it to provide us with grace because in baptism we receive grace.
The last reason is that it was an example for us to follow.
Do we know the joy of submission to God? Jesus submitted to John’s baptism which was a baptism of repentance. In this humble submission we see a foreshadowing of the sinless one who would humbly lay down his life on a cross to pay the price for our sins. The Heavenly Father is very pleased with his Son’s humble submission and speaks audibly and directly to Him for all to hear: You are my beloved Son, with you I am well pleased. The Holy Spirit, too, is present as Jesus submits to John’s baptism. He anoints Jesus for his ministry which begins that day as he rises from the waters of the Jordan river. We are called to follow in the footsteps of our Saviour, Jesus Christ. We too must humbly submit ourselves to God’s wise and loving plan for our lives. He, in turn, anoints us with his Holy Spirit that we may be clothed with his power and grace. Do we yield to the Holy Spirit that he may anoint us with power to live as son or daughter of God?
We are convinced that getting to heaven is more important than getting all the treasures and pleasures this earth has to offer. But do we always live up to these convictions, are we true Christians the seven days of the week? In our work, in our speech, in our dealings with others, in our family life are we truly following Christ and his teaching? Is our way of life, our daily conduct, such that it would cause non- Christian to say: “That man has something noble and sensible about him, that man is concerned with the things that really matter; that man has an inward peace and sense of security which we have not got, a sense of security and peace which comes not from the things of this world. We must find out what it is and get it for ourselves.
THE FOLLOWING TIPS ARE NEEDED TO ATTAIN OUR PURPOSE IN LIFE:
• Have a purpose in life, and focus on it.
* Get excited with life.
* Know yourself and be yourself.
* Maximize your potential.
* Find your self- identity
Reflection: Do our daily attitude and behaviour point people to Jesus?
PRAYER: Lord, fill us with your Holy Spirit and inflame our hearts with the joy of the gospel. May we find joy in seeking to please you just as you found joy in seeking to please your Father. Amen
Happy Sunday!
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