Here is my servant whom I uphold,
my chosen one with whom I am pleased,
upon whom I have put my spirit;
he shall bring forth justice to the nations… (Is 42:1)
We celebrate the Baptism of The Lord today, which ends the Christmas Season. In the first reading from the book of the Prophet Isaiah, we hear the announcement of the mission of the Messiah who, filled with the Holy Spirit’s power, brings justice to the people. Saint John wrote about this in his letter quoted throughout the readings of the past week, and they can be summarized by these words: “Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.”(1 Jn 4: 7-8)” There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. … “(1 Jn 4 17-18)
The Holy Spirit brings internal freedom, and this is a new law that God wants to pour into us. However, he must be allowed to. Love requires voluntary decision and trust. It must be accepted as a gift and reciprocated in full freedom. Baptism is the gateway to this freedom. There is a close relationship between the Baptism of Christ and our Baptism.
“At the Jordan the heavens opened (cf. Lk 3: 21) to indicate that the Savior has opened the way of salvation and we can travel it thanks to our own new birth “of water and Spirit” (Jn 3: 5), accomplished in Baptism. In it we are inducted into the Mystical Body of Christ, that is, the Church, we die and rise with him, we are enveloped by him, as the Apostle Paul often emphasized (cf. I Cor 12: 13; Rom 6: 3-5; Gal 3: 27). The requirement that comes with Baptism is therefore “to listen” to Jesus: to believe in him and subordinately follow him, doing his will.
In this way everyone can be inclined towards holiness, a goal that, as the Second Vatican Council recalled, “constitutes the vocation of all the baptized.” (Benedict 16, Angelus: Jan 7, 2007)
So, this is our plan of action: the start is to listen to His Word, with the goal that is holiness or, perfect love; the realization consists of: humble service to our brothers and sisters, so that everyone can recognize the power of the Spirit of Love working in us. This way we can attain salvation. It is possible, only perseverance is needed: “Whoever diligently considers and perseveres in the perfect Law, the Law of Freedom, is not a listener willing to forget, but the doer of the work; by fulfilling it he will receive a blessing.” James 1:25
Roman Harmata
