The Gospel of January 13, 2019 – The Baptism of the Lord – shows the relationship of Jesus with the people and the Father, explained Pope Francis.
His comments came before praying the noonday Angelus January 13 with the pilgrims gather in St. Peter’s Square. The Gospel of the day comes from Luke 3:15-16.21-22:
The people were filled with expectation,
and all were asking in their hearts
whether John might be the Christ.
John answered them all, saying,
«I am baptizing you with water,
but one mightier than I is coming.
I am not worthy to loosen the thongs of his sandals.
He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.»
After all the people had been baptized
and Jesus also had been baptized and was praying,
heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit descended upon him
in bodily form like a dove.
And a voice came from heaven,
«You are my beloved Son;
with you I am well pleased.»
«In the account of the Baptism, conferred on Jesus by John the Baptist in the waters of the Jordan, we see first of all the role of the people,» Pope Francis said. «Jesus is in the midst of the people. That’s not only the background of the scene but an essential component of the event.»
The Holy Father explained that before being immersed in water, Jesus «immerses himself in the crowd.» He united Himself with the people with the people in every manner except sin.
«Therefore, today’s is also an epiphany, because by going to have Himself baptized by John, in the midst of the penitents of His people, Jesus manifests the logic and meaning of His mission,» Francis said. «By uniting Himself to the people that ask John the Baptist for conversion, Jesus also shares with them the profound desire for interior renewal.»
The Gospel for the day also reveals much about Jesus’ relationship with the Father. After his immersion with the people and water of baptism, Jesus immerses himself in prayer.
«The Baptism was the beginning of Jesus’ public life, of His mission in the world, as sent by the Father, to manifest His goodness and His love for men,» the Holy Father said. «This mission is carried out in constant and perfect union with the Father and with the Holy Spirit. »
The Holy Father’s Full Commentary
