The Baptism of the Lord

Last September a Premiership footballer celebrated his team’s 3-0 win over local rivals.  He said it was the greatest day of his life.  But in fact he had said this in advance of the day, because it was the day that he and his fiancée were to be baptised into the Christian faith.  I wonder if you know who the footballer was!

Pope Francis reminded us a few years ago that we should make sure we know the date of our own baptism and celebrate it because it is the greatest day of our own lives.  At the start of 2026, we look to the year ahead and celebrate the Baptism of the Lord.

Jesus was baptised at the age of about 30 and his baptism was the launching of his mission and his moving forward in the power of the Holy Spirit.  The Gospel account tells us about the descent of the Holy Spirit like a dove, and the voice of God the Father affirming his Son. 

The disciples were sent out to baptise in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.  At our baptism, we were baptised in the name of the three persons of the Trinity, we were set free from original sin, and we were commissioned to preach the Gospel in our words and in our actions. 

Just as married couples sometimes renew their marriage vows, and priests renew the promises they made at ordination each year, it is good for us to remember and renew the call of our own baptism and to give thanks for the gift of our own faith.  Jesus was sent out after his baptism and we too are sent on our own missions.  

God bless, Fr Kevin.