Getting to Know Jesus
Dear Parishioners,
The Baptism of Jesus marks the inauguration of his public ministry and introduces us to the heart of his mission. Today’s Liturgy of the Word reveals the identity and purpose of the Servant of God. Isaiah, Paul, and John the Baptist each speak about this Servant—as prophet, teacher, and sacrificial lamb. All three ground their testimony in God’s revelation, which gives their witness its authority and persuasive power.
In the days ahead, we will deepen our understanding of who Jesus is and become more prepared to accept his invitation to follow him.
Isaiah speaks of a Servant whose destiny is inseparable from suffering, one who represents both his people and their community. Though this Servant enjoys God’s special protection, his humanity is not diminished in any way. He is fully human yet entrusted with a unique mission. Isaiah calls him “Servant” and “a light to the nations,” revealing a vocation that extends far beyond Israel to the whole world.
John the Baptist gives Jesus an even more striking title: “the Lamb of God.” This is not an abstract or symbolic description but one rooted in a concrete historical moment. The image conveys both innocence and sacrifice. Jesus is without sin, yet he will be treated as a guilty culprit by human beings. In this title, John foreshadows the suffering Jesus will endure for the salvation of the world.
John also explains how he came to recognize Jesus’ true identity. God gave him a sign: “The one on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain is the one.” Jesus’ importance does not lie in the brilliance of his virtues, his power as a miracle worker, or his eloquence as a preacher. Rather, it lies in who he is—the Son of God.
Today’s Scriptures do not fully unveil the mystery of Jesus’ identity, but they clearly reveal what he is about. He is the Servant of God, the Light to the nations. He takes away the sin of the world and baptizes with the Holy Spirit. Jesus renews us by immersing us in God’s Spirit, flooding our lives with divine grace. Only through this outpouring of the Holy Spirit can we be truly and profoundly transformed.
When Paul speaks of those who have been “consecrated in Christ Jesus,” he refers to people who have been freed from whatever enslaves or stunts their growth. They are filled with the life-giving power of the Spirit and are “called to be holy.” Holiness, then, is not withdrawal from the world but transformation within it.
We, too, are called to bring a deep commitment to Christian values into a society where values often shift or fade. Sharing in the Baptism of Jesus, we are called to follow in his footsteps—to imitate him and to be sent forth as witnesses. What is said of Jesus’ mission is meant to be reflected in the life of every Christian. This includes sharing in his suffering and death, but also in his resurrection. This is central to our faith. Just as the Spirit rested upon Jesus, so too does the Spirit rest upon those who are baptized. Baptism is the primary channel through which the Holy Spirit is given, empowering us to live as servants and lights in the world.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Rev. Vitalis Anyanike
Pastor
