The Baptism of Jesus, also known as the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, is a key moment in the Christian liturgical calendar. This celebration marks the end of the Christmas cycle and the beginning of Ordinary Time. It highlights the momentous spiritual event recounted in the Gospels, when Jesus was baptised by John the Baptist in the Jordan River. The date and meanings of this feast vary somewhat between Christian traditions, but it remains a central point for meditating on Jesus' mission and the meaning of baptism for believers.
The date of the celebration
The Feast of the Baptism of Jesus is celebrated every year during the month of January. In the liturgical calendar of the Roman Catholic Church, this feast takes place on the Sunday following Epiphany, which is itself celebrated on 6 January (or on the Sunday between 2 and 8 January, in some countries). As a result, the date of this celebration may vary from year to year, but it always falls during the first few days of January.
In the Orthodox Churches, the baptism of Jesus is often celebrated on the same day as Epiphany, 6 January (or 19 January for those who follow the Julian calendar). This feast is called Theophany and highlights the revelation of the Trinity at the baptism of Jesus: the voice of the Father, the presence of the Son and the descent of the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove.
The biblical context of the feast
The liturgical celebration of the baptism of Jesus has its origins in the Gospels. Jesus, aged around 30, went to the Jordan to be baptised by John the Baptist. This event is described in the Gospels of Matthew (3:13-17), Mark (1:9-11) and Luke (3:21-22). It is an extraordinary moment when the heavens open, a dove descends, and a heavenly voice proclaims, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased."
For Christians, this event marks the public recognition of Jesus as the Messiah and the Son of God. It is also a moment when the Trinity is manifestly revealed, a revelation that plays a central role in Christian theology.
The spiritual and theological significance of the feast
The Feast of the Baptism of the Lord invites believers to meditate on several essential aspects of their faith:
The revelation of the Trinity: At the baptism of Jesus, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit are present, revealing the Trinitarian nature of God.
The humility of Jesus: Although sinless, Jesus accepts to receive the baptism intended for sinners. This shows his desire to identify with the humanity he came to save.
The beginning of Jesus' public ministry: This event marks the start of his earthly mission, where he begins to teach, heal and proclaim the Good News.
The reminder of believers' own baptism: This feast is an opportunity for Christians to renew their commitment made at their own baptism, the moment when they became children of God.
How is this feast celebrated?
The Feast of the Baptism of the Lord is celebrated with particular liturgies in the Christian Churches. Here are some aspects of these celebrations:
In the Catholic Church: At Mass, the Bible readings evoke the event of Jesus' baptism. Priests may also bless the water and invite the faithful to renew their baptismal promises. In some countries, processions or blessings of the waters may be organised.
In the Orthodox Church: Theophany is celebrated with a solemn liturgy, often accompanied by a blessing of the waters called the Great Blessing. This practice recalls the sanctification of all creation by the coming of Jesus into the world.
In Protestant traditions: Protestant churches generally emphasise the spiritual significance of baptism and hold sermons focusing on Jesus' humility and obedience.
A call for Christians to reflect
This feast is not just a liturgical event; it invites every Christian to reflect on their own baptism and its meaning. Baptism is not simply a ritual, but a gateway to a life transformed by faith in Christ. It is also a reminder of the call to live as a child of God, filled with the Holy Spirit and committed to a mission of service to others.
In addition, the feast of the Baptism of Jesus reminds us of the importance of recognising the active presence of the Trinity in everyday life. Just as Jesus' baptism marks a transition to a new stage in his life, believers are called to renew their faith and move forward on their spiritual journey with renewed trust in God.
Conclusion
The celebration of the Baptism of Jesus is much more than a simple commemoration; it is an invitation to contemplate the mysteries of the Christian faith and to renew one's commitment to God. Each year, this feast offers a unique opportunity to meditate on the humility and obedience of Jesus, on the revelation of the Trinity, and on the importance of living one's faith to the full in the world. Through this celebration, Christians are reminded of their own vocation: to follow the path of Jesus, filled with the Spirit and enlightened by the Father's love.
