Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7 / Acts 10:34-38 / Luke 3:15-16, 21-22
There are many important days in our lives, important days that we will always remember, and important days that we should not forget.
Certainly, we will remember our birthdays, the day that we came into this world. So whether we celebrate our birthday in a big way or just quietly, we will remember that day for as long as we can.
That’s why on the first weekend of every month, we have birthday blessings for those who are celebrating their birthdays in that month. We give thanks to God for the gift of life and we also invoke God’s blessings of love on those celebrating their birthdays.
The other important days that we should not forget are the spouse’s birthday, especially the wife’s birthday (otherwise it is going to be D-Day), or the wedding day and other significant days.
But it is said that the two most important days in our life are the day that we are born and the day we find out why (Mark Twain).
It is interesting to say that the other most important day after our birthday is the day we find out why we were born.
And we can see why that day is important as we celebrate the Baptism of the Lord.
We celebrate the birth of Jesus at Christmas, which has a more festive feel to it, but nonetheless, a birthday celebration fitting of Jesus.
Today, as we celebrate the Baptism of Jesus, it is more solemn and has a more spiritual feel to it.
After His Baptism, and when He was at prayer, the heavens opened and the Holy Spirit descended on Him, and the voice of God proclaimed Jesus is.
John the Baptist would describe the mission of Jesus as baptizing with the Holy Spirit and fire.
So it can be said that the two most important days in the life of Jesus is His birthday and the day of His baptism. Because the day of His baptism is the day of revelation.
In the 2nd reading, we heard that Jesus came to do good and save all who have fallen into the power of the devil.
And the 1st reading has this to say of Jesus: He does not break the crushed reed, nor snuff out the wavering flame.
Which brings us to this question. We can remember our birthdays, but do we know when is the day of our baptism?
If we don’t know, then it is good to find that out from our baptism certificate, and if we have misplaced that baptism certificate, it would be good to get a copy of it.
Actually, it is called a “Baptism Extract” and that would be needed for marriage, for priesthood, for entry into religious life, for school registration and catechism class registration. Oh, and also for booking of niche in the columbarium.
So it means that the day of our baptism is an important day, not just in the administrative sense, but also in the spiritual sense.
At our baptism, Jesus washes us clean from sin and saved us from the snares of the devil. That’s why it’s said the baptism is necessary for salvation - we are saved from evil and become united with Jesus.
And with that we are empowered by the Holy Spirit to do good and to proclaim the Good News that Jesus is our Saviour.
So the good that we do is not just out of human compassion, but with the power of the Holy Spirit, what we do will lead others to Jesus and to salvation.
But a deeper question to ask ourselves is this: Is Jesus my Saviour? Do I know why I am born and what my baptism is all about?
More so if our life is like a crushed reed and a wavering flame, all the more we need Jesus to save us.
We just need to cry out like how Peter cried out when he was sinking in the water: Jesus, save me!
And Jesus will save us. He will not break the crushed reed nor snuff out the wavering flame.
And when we acknowledge Jesus as our Saviour then we will know what our baptism is all about.
Because we will be empowered by the fire of the Holy Spirit to go out and bring Jesus to those “crushed reeds” and “wavering flames”.
We don’t have to shout aloud or make our voices heard in the streets.
A simple and non-intrusive statement to those “crushed reeds” and “wavering flames” like “ I think Jesus can help you” would be enough for the Holy Spirit to bring them to Jesus.
When we begin to proclaim Jesus in word and in action, then we will know that the two most important days in our lives are the day that we are born and the day that we are baptized.