The Baptism of the Lord invites us to contemplate Jesus as an adult, standing at the threshold of His public ministry. This mystery is deeply connected to Christmas and the Epiphany, and helps us understand more fully who Christ is.

At Christmas, we celebrate the Word made flesh, born of the Virgin Mary. From the very first moment of His conception, Jesus was already the Christ. His humanity was consecrated and anointed by His own divine power. He did not become the Christ later in life. He was always the Son of God made man.

At the Epiphany, Christ was revealed to the nations, symbolised by the Magi who came from the East to adore Him. Now, at His Baptism in the Jordan, Jesus is manifested definitively as the Messiah to Israel and as the Son of the Father to the whole world.

The Father’s voice from heaven and the descent of the Holy Spirit reveal the mystery of the Trinity. Father, Son and Holy Spirit are made known in Christ. The Spirit resting upon Jesus seals His mission as the Anointed One sent for the salvation of the world.

Though He was always the Christ, Jesus truly shared our humanity, growing in wisdom, stature and grace. At His Baptism, His identity and mission are made visible, marking the beginning of His saving work among us.