Baptism is only the beginning

Today we celebrate the baptism of Jesus. Mark describes the event with a few key details—Jesus is baptized by John in the Jordan River; the heavens part; the Spirit descends like a dove and a voice in heaven affirms Jesus as the beloved Son. The narrative reveals the Trinity with Father, Son and Holy Spirit clearly and distinctly represented together at the event. The celebration of Jesus’ baptism is an opportune time to reflect on the requirements that come with being baptized.

There are two options for the first and second readings this Sunday. The reading from Isaiah 55 is fitting today with its reference to “coming to the water,” as the prophet expounds on the divine invitation to be sustained by God. A complement to this reading is the second reading option from Acts, in which Peter highlights God’s openness to people “in every nation,” empowering them with the Holy Spirit through baptism.

The reading from Isaiah 42 proclaims the significance of the Spirit’s descent. The prophet describes a figure who suffers and serves as a light to the nations. The New Testament alludes to and quotes Isaiah’s Suffering Servant prophecies, understanding them in a new way in light of Jesus’ suffering. In Isaiah, when the Spirit descends on the servant, it is a signal that “he shall bring forth justice to the nations.” There is a clear call to work toward the “victory of justice” when receiving the Spirit. The second reading option from 1 John articulates relationships in the Trinity, between Father and Son and the Spirit who promotes truth in the world.

The reading also highlights victory that comes through faith in Christ as Son of God. The Gospel turns our attention to Jesus’ baptism. Mark’s Gospel begins with the appearance of John the Baptist, and Jesus’ first public act is to be baptized before beginning his ministry. Jesus models the ritual for his followers and is proclaimed as the beloved Son and empowered by the Spirit to do his work.

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Today we must consider the implications of baptism and faith in Christ. The readings and the larger Gospel message affirm that receiving the Spirit at baptism is only the beginning, and important work must follow. All are welcomed and invited to be baptized, and that baptism requires believers to promote justice and truth. The Spirit is directly connected to both of those ideals, and receiving the Spirit is a call to action. On this feast of the baptism of Christ, let us be inspired to actively participate in the quest for justice and truth.