My brothers and sisters, today I wanted to share some catechesis for the Holy Feast of Epiphany:
As we know, we celebrate the baptism of Jesus within the Jordan river. But why? Is not baptism used for the remission of sin? Was Jesus not sinless? Below I will answer the reasons why our Lord was baptized.
1. Christ was baptized to fulfill the Old Testament story of Exodus. How so? Because: Just as God called the Israelites out of the land Egypt through water (Exodus 12) to which they later passed through the Jordan to enter the promised land (Book of Numbers), so has Christ been called out of Egypt (Matt 2:15), to also later pass through the Jordan through His baptism to show that He is the fulfillment of Israel. Thus His words to John: “It is fitting to fulfill all righteousness.” (Matt 3:15).
Note: If you are familiar with both stories, you will see that both emphasize salvation through water; for it was through water that Israel escaped bondage to captivity and physical/spiritual death in Egypt, and it is through the baptism of Christ that our sins are washed away; making it necessary for salvation. (John 3:5, Acts 2:38). This is why scripture differentiates between the baptism of John (which did not remit sin), and the baptism of Christ. (Matt 3:11). Hence, why Christ was baptized; not because He needed to be cleansed; but rather to sanctify the waters of the world so that all believers can be graced with the Holy Spirit. This is the teachings of the early fathers. (See: St. John Chrysostom homily 4 on Matthew, St. Ambrose commentary on Luke 3:21).
2. At His Baptism, the Holy Spirit fell upon Him. Not because He did not already have the Holy Spirit (He is God), but to show those present that Christ is the King of Israel and the Messiah. For just as Samuel anointed David with oil to make him King of Israel, which resulted in the Holy Spirit falling upon Him (1 Sam 16:5), so has the Father anointed His Son in a visible manner to increase the faith of the early believers.
3. Jesus was showing that He is one essence with God, showing how God Himself is a perfect and Holy Trinity.(Matthew 3:16-17).
Reflection: Noticed how when Jesus prayed before His baptism, the heavens were opened and the Holy Spirit fell upon Him? (Luke 3:11). This shall also be the case for us since we are members of Christ’s Body. (1 Cor 12:27). So, we should ask for this great gifts of the Holy Spirit through prayer, which will be given to us as long as we ask and continuously knock. (Luke 11:11-13).
Glory to God forever, amen.
Faith Unto Ages 