Homily For Friday Before Epiphany, 6th January, 2023

Readings : 1 John 3:5:5-13; Ps 147; Mark 1:7-11

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia.

“YOU ARE MY BELOVED SON;WITH YOU I AM WELL PLEASED”

Today’s Liturgy presents to us the events that occurred at the baptism of our Lord Jesus. Here we see how the plan of God for the redemption of humanity was manifested. For in our Gospel passage today we heard how the true identity of the chosen servant of God was confirmed at the baptism of Jesus where God anointed him with the Holy Spirit and power and his voice was heard saying: “This is My beloved Son; with Whom I am well pleased." This shows God's revelation to mankind especially about the mystery of the Trinity and also to reveal Jesus’ true identity and mission.

 This of course reminds us of our identity and mission as Christ faithful. It reminds us of who we are and our commitment to God on the day we were baptized. It also reminds us that Jesus received baptism not because he needs it, rather, it is to identify himself with his people, who, as a result of John's preaching, are now aware of their sins and of their need for repentance. This symbolizes the new covenant God wants to make with humanity, thereby calling us to repentance and faith in God.

Little wonder in our first reading, we heard John stressing on the important of professing our faith in Jesus Christ which is an essential aspect of our faith. He said Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God. Whoever believes in the Son of God accepts this testimony. Whoever does not believe God has made him out to be a liar, because they have not believed the testimony God has given about his Son. And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.

Dear friends, God during the baptism of Jesus manifested and confirmed the mission of his son when he said this is my beloved Son; with whom I am well pleased. For we are invited today to come and receive the immortality that flows from this baptism through the testimonies of water, Spirit and Blood which bear witness to the love of God for humanity. For this is the water that is linked to the Spirit, the water that irrigates Paradise, makes the earth fertile, gives growth to plants, and brings forth living creatures.

Here through baptism we acknowledge our dignity as God’s children, for we are called to live as children of God in thought, word and action, to live a holy and transparent Christian life and not to desecrate our bodies with impurity, injustice, intolerance, jealousy or hatred. Rather we should learn to grow daily in intimacy with God and be co-creators in building up of his Kingdom on earth.

LET US PRAY: Lord God, we thank you for the gift of your presence with us. As we listen to your voice today may we experience you personally in our lives and so be filled with the grace and joy of Christ’s presence, who lives and reigns forever and ever. Amen. Do have a fruitful day.