The Heavens Were Opened

Today’s Homily centers on the Baptism of the Lord, which concludes the Christmas season . . .

. . . and inaugurates Jesus’ public ministry. Though troubling to early Christians . . . since Jesus is sinless and baptism was for repentance . . . Matthew emphasizes that Jesus submits to baptism to “fulfill all righteousness.” In doing so, Jesus completes God’s long-standing pattern of serving and saving His people through water, seen throughout the Old Testament: the Flood, the crossing of the Red Sea, and the crossing of the Jordan into the Promised Land, each accompanied by the presence of divine wind or Spirit.

At Jesus’ baptism, the waters are not parted; instead, the heavens are opened, and the Holy Spirit descends like a dove, revealing Jesus as the beloved Son. Through this act, heaven is opened to humanity. Christian baptism now immerses believers into the very life of the Triune God, making them adopted children of God.

This baptism carries a mission: to proclaim good news to the poor, bring light to those in darkness, and freedom to those imprisoned.

The Homily concludes by urging believers, especially as Ordinary Time begins, to renew their baptismal commitment and actively live out the mission that flows from it.

Listen to

The Heavens Were Opened

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Gospel Reading: Matthew 3: 13-17

First Reading: Isaiah 42: 1-4, 6-7

Second Reading: Acts 10: 34-38

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Art Work

The Baptism of Christ: Italian Painter: Piero della Francesca: 1449