Baptism of the Lord (A)/ Heavens were opened
   Is 42:1-7/ Ps 29/ Acts 10:34-38/ Mt. 3:13-17
  Introduction
 

         A certain couple approached a priest and asked him to baptize their twins. The priest agreed and asked them: what names do you want to give to your children? The mother said: “Toyota” for the eldest and “Mercedes” for the second one. The priest objected, “but those names are for cars.” But the parents insist that they have the right to name their children whatever they want to. The priest said okay. He grabbed the pitcher and asked, “and now what do you want to use, Premium or Unleaded?”

  
  Background
 
  1. Naming of a child is important. In the Bible the name of a person tells about his identity, or the kind of person he is. In the old times we name a child after a saint whose feast day coincides with his birthday. It serves not only as his patron saint but also to inspire him to live in the same holiness in life. When Christ was circumcised, he got his name Jesus from the word “Joshua” meaning the “One who saves.” And the he lived according to his name. He saved his people from their sins, cured their sickness and preached the Gospel to the poor. St Matthew in today’s Gospel speaks also of the saving act of Jesus in his act of righteousness.

  2. In Matthew’s version of Jesus’ baptism; John tries to prevent Jesus from being baptized. Jesus insists that “it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness (v.15).” Prophet Isaiah in today’s First reading explained “righteousness” as the “victory of Justice” that the Servant of God is called to establish on the earth. It comes as no surprise, then, when the heavenly voice designates Jesus as the chosen one “with whom I am well pleased (v.17).” The Second reading (Acts) supports the connection between the Jesus and the Servant in the book of Isaiah by interpreting Jesus’ baptism as an “anointing with the Holy Spirit and power.” It was the same anointing that empowers him to “bring forth justice to the nations.” And like the servant, Jesus will do this not by loud or violent means, but by doing good and healing to all who are bruised and broken in a silent humble way.

  3. Devout Jews did not go to John to be baptized. For them baptism was only for sinners and for those who were in need of repentance. Since they followed every detail of the laws and they belong to the chosen people of God, thus they were assured of salvation and therefore they need not go to be baptized by John. But when they saw a fellow Jew, our Lord Jesus Christ, who never sinned  lining up to be baptized by John they were silenced and humiliated. It’s the same feelings I had when I saw in one of our recollections cardinal and bishops lining up to a young priest for confession. If these people who are so holy can acknowledge their sinfulness to this young priest how much more, myself who is far sinful as they are; should not humble my self and confess my sins to any priest.
  
  Reflection:  
 

  1. The Baptism of the Lord marks the beginning of the public ministry of Jesus. He underwent baptism because as a person Jesus needed to associate and to identify with the community of men and women who were dedicated to promoting the cause of the kingdom of God. Like Christ we also have to show our belongingness to the community. Yes, we can pray individually but that kind of spiritually is weak and vulnerable to evils temptations. We need to hold our hands together and pray as a community and to create that bond of unity which no evil can ever destroy. And when it comes to serving God, no one is an island. We need to interact with other children of God. We need the community of faith just as Jesus did. We need to join the Church through the Sacrament of Baptism.

  2. Baptism is also called the Sacrament Initiation because it is the beginning of our membership into the Church. It marks the beginning of our Christian life because it opens our souls to receive other sacraments. Furthermore, anybody who is baptized is adopted by God as his own son (This is my beloved Son whom I am well pleased). His Original Sin is washed away (The heavens were opened) and he is anointed by the holy oil of Chrism that makes him, king, priest and prophet (the Holy Spirit descended like a dove). It is a great honor to belong the family of God. The grace of Baptism is a great privilege given to all the peoples who wanted to be “born again in water and Spirit.”

  3. But baptism is not only a privilege, it is also a responsibility. We read that soon after Jesus' baptism John was arrested. They needed a new leadership. When Jesus heard it he went up and took on the task. In this way he is implementing the commitment he made at his baptism to promote the kingdom of God. We can see that for Jesus baptism was not just a question of what he could receive but very much a question of what he could contribute to the cause of the kingdom of God on earth. John F. Kennedy's saying, "Ask not what your country can do for you, but rather ask what you can do for your country." We too, when we receive the faith in baptism we should be ready to do our task for the good of the community and the Church.  We receive the privilege of being sons and daughters of God, but with that great privilege comes also a greater responsibility.
  
  Conclusion  
            If you notice, whenever a priest baptizes a child he uses only the first name (Toyota or Mercedes) because he we do not need his family name. In baptism he receives a new family name, that is, “Christian.” We are all Christians under one Father (Yahweh) and we are all brothers and sisters in Christ. We build one whole new family - we call the Church. Our distinctions will only be our first name. In the Bible when the name is changed the life of the person is changed according to the meaning of the new named given to him. When we were baptized we receive a new name “Christians.” It’s a name patterned after “Christ,” and therefore we should live a life patterned unto his life in holiness and in love.