There are times in life when it feels as though all we can do is "put our heads down" and move forward. It is important, however, that we occasionally stop and look around in order to regain a wider perspective. As we do, Jesus makes sure we're standing in the right spots in order to see life the way he wants us to see it. This week we stop and look around at the river, that is, at the place of Jesus’ baptism. This important first act of Jesus’ public ministry identified him as the Messiah and equipped him for his mission. At his baptism, God the Father anointed Jesus with his Spirit. In our baptisms he does the same. Because Jesus joined himself to us in his baptism, we are joined to him in ours.