CATHOLIC FAITHWATCH: “Jesus Does Not Go into the Water Alone; He Takes Us with Him – A Reflection on the Baptism of the Lord” – Msgr. Charles Pope/ Archdiocese of Washington

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River Jordan file photo, adapted from image at loc.gov

“… In an extended sense, when Christ is baptized, so are we, for we are members of His Body. As Christ enters the water, He makes Holy the water that will Baptize us. He enters the water and we follow. In these waters, He acquires Gifts to give us. … The Fraternity of Baptism … Even though He never sinned, Jesus identifies with sinners. … Praise God, Jesus is not ashamed to be found in our presence and to share a brotherhood with us. * * * The Foreshadowing of our Baptism – … Jesus does not enter the water alone. He takes us with Him … [as] members of His Body. … [W]e are delivered from the slavery to sin as the column of Christ’s Body leads us through the waters of Baptism. God’s righteousness is His fidelity to His promises. In His Baptism and all it signifies (His death and resurrection), Jesus has come to fulfill all righteousness ….

The Four Gifts of Baptism – … Heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit descended upon Him in bodily form like a dove. … a Voice came from Heaven, ‘You are my beloved Son; with you I AM well pleased.’ … when Jesus goes into the water, we go with Him. … He acquires four gifts on our behalf: 1. Access – The heavens are opened. … 2. Anointing – The Spirit of God Descends on Him like a dove. … Jesus acquires the Gift of the Holy Spirit for us. 3. Acknowledgment – You are my beloved Son. Jesus receives this acknowledgment from His Father for the faith of those who heard it and to acquire this gift for us. In our own Baptism we become the children of God. … 4. Approval – With you I am well pleased. Jesus had always pleased His Father, but now He acquires this Gift for us …. Our own Baptism gives us Sanctifying Grace, the grace to be Holy and pleasing to God. …”

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