Baptism of the Lord 2025

Sometimes when I listen to people speak about their image of God, the God they speak of is like the authority figures in their life, parents, grandparents, family members, teachers, catechists, priests, etc. Sometimes the life lessons these folks imparted were harsh. Words of praise were few and far between, do what you’re told trumped a second look, forgiveness was conditional, playtime was the devil’s playground, tears were not allowed, satisfaction happens after death, what was done was never quite enough. As a result, the God we speak of and relate to today is harsh, picky and demanding! Not someone we want to know and not like the God of sacred scripture.

This Sunday, God says, “Comfort, O comfort my people … speak tenderly … cry to her that she has served her term, that her penalty is paid …” Isaiah says, “… He will feed his flock like a shepherd, he will gather the lambs in his bosom and gently lead the mother sheep.” In the Gospel, we hear God speak to Jesus, “You are my Son, the Beloved, with you I am well pleased.” In Paul’s letter to Titus, Paul says, “For when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of any works of righteousness that we had done, but according to his mercy …”

On this feast of the Baptism of the Lord, which closes the great season of Christmas, the scriptures make clear that we matter to God. God cares about us. God is not a harsh task master. Perhaps we can take time this week to listen to God tell us how important we are. Perhaps we can let that good news settle in our minds and hearts and spirits and perhaps we will see ourselves in a different light. Perhaps we will see light where once there was only darkness.