Matthew 3:13-17

Meditatio (Reflecting)

Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him. John tried to prevent him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and yet you are coming to me?” Jesus said to him in reply, “Allow it now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.”

Oratio (Responding)

Today marks the baptism of the lord. Why does the king of the universe need to be baptised, that seems like a useless action. Well there are several things happening, here, and the church fathers mention multiple reasons. The first and foremost is that we must remember that Jesus is fully man, and as man his flesh must be baptised, because nothing unclean can enter heaven. Lets go deeper. John was baptising for the forgiveness of sins, Jesus was in a way certifying this act and telling his diciples that you need to continue this practice for all time. Secondly it is believed that this is the very spot on the banks of the Jordan where the ark sat while the irealites crossed over into the promised land. That place has great significance for the jews and god. The last reason given is that jesus, by allowing himself to be baptised, is actually sanctifying the waters of the whole world with his blessing, so that all that come after him will be blessed by this single act, and giving the water the power to actually remove the stain of sin. I dont know if one of these reasons is the correct one, I suspect they all are correct, in some degree. But it is, no doubt one of the most important moments in the whole bible. You will notice that all 3 persons of the trinity are present at this moment. This is not to be missed, baptism is the most important of all of the 7 sacraments. None of the other sacraments are even possible without baptism. It is the golden ticket that you need in order to enter heaven, assuming that you are in a state of grace, but you cannot enter heaven without being baptised. Thus the significance of this moment cannot be understated. If you are not baptised, or your kids are not, dont wait another moment, talk to your priest today, the eternity of your and your childrens soul could very well depend on it.

Contemplatio (Contemplating)

Take time to simply remain in the presence of God.

Resolutio (Resolving)

Oh lord, help me today to live out the meaning and purpose of my baptism, to be priest prophet and king to the people in my life that you have given me authority over, and allow me to do it with you with love and grace.