This Sunday, as we celebrate the Baptism of the Lord, we are reminded that baptism is not just a historical moment in our lives but the very foundation of our Christian journey. Jesus’ baptism in the Jordan—an act of humility and solidarity with us—revealed baptism as the sacrament that simplifies and grounds our lives in God’s grace.
At His baptism, Jesus heard the Father proclaim, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17). Through our baptism, we too are claimed as God’s beloved children. This sacrament is the primary grace of our Christian life, calling us to live with clarity and purpose as disciples of Christ. It invites us to set aside the distractions and burdens of life, trusting in the transformative power of God’s love.
Reclaiming the grace of baptism means revisiting its promises: to renounce sin, reject Satan, and live in the light of faith in the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. These promises are not burdensome but liberating, helping us navigate life with simplicity and focus. Baptism also unites us with the Church, a community that supports us in living out our faith.
This week, while journeying as pilgrims of hope in this Jubilee Year, let us recommit to the grace of baptism as the core of our lives. Let us live out its call with gratitude, allowing it to shape our actions and deepen our trust in God.
For those considering a pilgrimage to the Vatican, the Holy Doors can be found at St. Peter’s Basilica, St. John Lateran, St. Mary Major, St. Paul Outside the Walls, and for the first time in the Jubilee tradition, Pope Francis opened a fifth sacred portal in a Roman prison, a gesture of hope for detainees. May this Jubilee Year inspire us to rediscover the peace and joy that come from embracing our identity as God’s beloved children.