There has always been a creative tension in the way Christians relate to Jesus Christ. On one hand, Jesus is the unique Son of God irreplaceable and beyond imitation. On the other hand, Christians belong in the identity of Jesus Christ, continuing his presence on earth and imitating his way of life. Therefore, Christians are sons and daughters in the Son.
The descending dove and the speaking sky that combine to communicate love and mission to Jesus are passed along through Jesus to all his followers. Therefore, the ultimate communication of the story of Jesus is for all his followers to see and hear what Jesus saw and heard as he came up out of the waters of the Jordan river.
However, despite the essential connection between John and Jesus the emphasis is not on John’s baptism. There is no description of Jesus going into and going under the water. All the action happens after the baptism when Jesus comes up from the water. The storyteller inserts the word ‘behold’ to alert us to the upcoming revelation. This is a personal experience for Jesus. The heavens are being opened for him and he saw the Spirit of God. In today’s language, Jesus becomes consciously awakened to the divine source of his life, a source that gives itself to him in love. No wonder John steps away!
Jesus is awakened to the love of Father and Spirit and then he awakens others to be awakened and so pass it on and a community emerges. Jesus awakens people to what they are – they are children of God.
The people are beloved children of God from the time of their conception and birth. Their task is for them to realise this truth of their identity. Therefore, Jesus awakens people to what they already are – Children of God.
Let us rejoice in our belonging in the Love of Christ and Spirit and Father.
May the Lord bless your year.
With love and prayers Fr Michael