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I write this reflection on the evening of the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord. Its crucial to keep in mind that Jesus's Baptism in the River Jordan was not Christian Baptism, as we know and understand it. Keep in mind also, that John the Baptist was the son of Zachariah, who was a temple priest. And so, as the son of a temple priest, John would have been very familiar with the rituals of the temple. John would have know well that the temple had a mikveh, or a pool, at the entrance of the temple which was used for persons to purify themselves upon entering the temple.
But, because John was disgusted with the 'corruption' of the temple, John worked and preached north of Jerusalem, and used the river Jordan as his 'mikveh'. John preached and called for repentance, and baptized (a work from Greek that simply means to immerse in water). Many were drawn to John's call, and therefore accepted their need for repentance and immersion, or purification, in the waters of the Jordan.
When Jesus approached John, was Jesus in need of purification? No! Was Jesus in need of repentance? No! So, why did Jesus allow Himself to be baptized by John? Because Jesus always stands in solidarity with us in the midst of our sinfulness, our messiness, and our hurt. Jesus' entire ministry was one of standing in solidarity with those who were sinners, with those who were hurting. It is what got Jesus in trouble with the temple authorities. ".....See how he eats with sinners.....see how he socializes with sinners...." We need, and needed, the baptism of purification and repentance, not Jesus! But, true to form, Jesus invariably stands shoulder to shoulder with us in the midst of OUR need.
And, as a consequence, the voice of His Father indicates that ".....this is My Beloved Son, in Whom I Am well pleased....." And, when we, as disciples of Jesus, model ourselves on His example, and also stand in solidarity with those who are hurting.....the poor, those unjustly treated, the widow, the widower, the orphan, etc., etc., the Father likewise says to us as well, ".....this is my beloved daughter, my beloved son, in whom I Am well pleased!"
And so, like Jesus, we too stand in solidarity with those who are hurting. So, thank you for standing in solidarity with the families of my diocese, up in the hills of Jamaica, who hurt from painfully raw destitution through no fault of their own. They were born into those unfortunate circumstances! You give them an incarnate 'epiphany', or a glimpse, or a taste, of the tender mercy, love, and care of Jesus! May you therefore be blessed beyond what is even imaginable for caring!
With every best wish!
A Servant of the Poor,
Fr. Glen Baptiste
Should you wish to make a contribution to Food for the Poor and did not have a chance to do so this weekend, you can do so by clicking here.
When making a contribution, he asks you put the code s/c147156 on a check or in the notes of your online contribution.
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