You Are My Beloved Son

01-12-2025Weekly ReflectionFr. Augustine Acheme, VC

The Baptism of the Lord marks the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry, and in today’s Gospel (Luke 3:15-16, 21-22), we witness a profound moment of divine revelation. As Jesus is bap zed by John, the heavens open, the Holy Spirit descends upon Him in the form of a dove, and the voice of the Father proclaims, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.” This event is a powerful affirmation of Jesus’ identity and mission, but it also invites us to reflect on our own baptism and the transformative grace it brings to our lives.

At His baptism, Jesus is publicly revealed as the beloved Son of God. This divine affirmation establishes not only His identity but also His mission as the one sent to bring salvation to all. The descent of the Holy Spirit signifies the empowerment Jesus receives for His ministry- a reminder that God’s mission is never undertaken alone but always accompanied by the Spirit’s presence. Through baptism, we, too, are given a new identity as children of God and are empowered by the Holy Spirit to live out our mission in the world.

The fi rst reading from Isaiah (42:1-4, 6-7) beau fully complements this Gospel moment. It describes the servant of the Lord, upheld by God and filled with His Spirit, bringing justice to the nations and light to those in darkness. Jesus fulfills this prophecy, and through our baptism, we are called to share in His mission- to be light in the world, to bring hope to the oppressed, and to proclaim God’s justice and mercy.

St. Peter’s words in Acts (10:34-38) further emphasize the universality of this mission. Peter declares that God shows no partiality, welcoming all who fear Him and act uprightly. This reminds us that baptism unites us with Christ and with the entire body of believers, breaking down barriers and calling us to live as one in faith and love.

As we reflect on the baptism of Jesus, let us remember the gift of our own baptism. Through it, we are marked as God’s beloved children and sent forth to live lives that reflect His love, justice, and mercy. In moments of doubt or struggle, may we recall the Father’s words to Jesus and hear them spoken to us as well: “You are my beloved child; with you I am well pleased.” May this truth inspire us to embrace our identity in Christ and to live with the confidence and joy of those who know they are deeply loved by God.