I sometimes ask parents, “How do you do it?” The question, “Why?” natural follows. Parents tell me that they do it because they must do it; the vocation of parenthood and its many tasks are that important. The “How?” and “Why?” questions are answered in the same way: Love. Parents would say, “We do it for love, not because of any worldly recompense or need.” The “need” would be that of their children. Of course, the needs of a child are also the concerns of the parents.

One of the pressing needs of a child, and of any soul, is the sacrament of Baptism. We need the sacrament to be fully incorporated into the body of Christ, His church and, as we say in the creed every Sunday, “I confess one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.” All that being said, why was Jesus baptized? What was his need? After all, he is the Son of God and like us in every aspect but without sin. In other words, he had no need of being baptized. Still, Jesus made his way to the River Jordan and sought baptism from his kinsman, John the Baptist. Why? The answer is short and simple: He did it for love.

As we celebrate today’s solemnity of the Baptism of the Lord and conclude the Christmas season, let us reflect on his baptism and everything he did and does and be consoled by the “why?” part. He did it and he always does it, and everything, for love. Another way to appreciate his baptism is that it is a reminder that he always seeks out ways to be one with us. Christ reveals to us that not only does God “get us,” he truly and eternally loves us; he truly and eternally showers his mercy upon us, he is with us.

United in prayer,
Fr. Charlie