Father’s testimony about the Son
The Baptism of the Lord
Isaiah 55:1-11; 1 John 5:1-9; Mark 1:7-11
Today's first reading contains (1) the promise of an eternal covenant, (2) a call to conversion, and (3) a metaphor showing the efficacy of God's Word. The recipients of this message were the Judeans who questioned God's promise given to David that his “throne shall be established forever” (2 Sam 7:16). They thought that with the fall of the Davidic monarchy (year 586 BC) the promise did not materialize. They forgot, however, that the unbelief and sinfulness of their ancestors led the nation to ruin. If they want to experience the fulfillment of God's promises, then they must repent and trust in God’s unfailing word. God is rich in mercy and His word always fulfills His will (Is. 55:6-11).
The prophecy of Isaiah finds its realization in the Gospel. Just as the rain and snow fall from heaven to water the earth, so the eternal Word of God came down from heaven to restore humanity. But God's thoughts and plans are very different from ours. The Son of God is born not in a royal palace, but in a manger. Most of His earthly life is completely unknown to us, and then He comes “unto John, to be baptized by him” (Matt. 3:13). How can a servant baptize his Lord? How can a sinner baptize his Savior? But that's how they fulfill "all righteousness" (Matt. 3:15). “This is the one who came by water and blood - Jesus Christ” (1 John 5:6). Coming out of the water, Christ hears: "You are my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased" (Mark 1:11), and after shedding His blood on the cross, a Roman soldier testifies: "Indeed, this man was the Son of God "(Mark 15:39). At the moment of his baptism, Jesus sees the heavens opened and the Spirit descending on him. At the moment of his death, the veil of the temple is rent in two, and Jesus "releases the Spirit" (Matt. 27:50-51). The redemption of humanity is completed.
The testimony of God at Baptism in Jordan and the human testimony at the moment of Jesus' death lead us to the confession of faith. The one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God overcomes the world - the world stands for all that is opposed to God (1 John 5: 5). Now, the prophecy of Isaiah from the first reading becomes clear:
1. The promise. In Jesus, the promise of the eternal covenant is fulfilled: "God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son" (1 John 5:11);
2. Call to conversion. Life in God’s Son gives a new direction to our own lives. "We love God and follow his commandments" (1 John 5:2);
3. The efficacy of God’s Word. Jesus Christ, coming by water and blood, redeemed humankind and opened for us access to the Father. Thus, the eternal Word of the Father has fulfilled His will and accomplished what He was sent to do (Is. 55:11). Amen.