The Sunday following January 6th is the Solemnity of the Baptism of our Lord. How will you and your family celebrate this day? Yes…going to Mass is a necessity but what else? In this post I will summarize the historical event of Jesus’ Baptism and then offer some suggestions for you and your family to put it into action.
Jesus’ Baptism begins His ministry. Jesus comes to John the Baptist at the Jordan River and asks to be baptized. As He comes out of the water the Holy Spirit descends upon Him in the form of a dove. The heavens are ripped open, and the Father’s voice is heard proclaiming Jesus to be His Son.
The Church’s universal catechism mentions that Jesus’ Baptism anticipates His own death and resurrection (CCC 536-537). A wonderful theological text by Benedict XVI unpacks this. It is his book: Jesus of Nazareth: From the Baptism in the Jordan to the Transfiguration.
Here are some suggestions for your family’s celebration this Sunday:
- Read about Jesus’ Baptism from one of the gospels: Matthew 3:13–17, Mark 1:9–11, Luke 3:21–22, John 1:29-33
- Pray as a family for your godchildren and godparents.
- Contact your parish and ask for a Mass to be offered for your godchildren and godparents.
- Bring out Baptism day memorabilia/relics (white garments, candles, etc.) and then renew the baptismal promises as a family.
- Review the meaning of Baptism. Baptism made us into adopted children of God. God and Baptism is central to our identity and purpose. You can use either the catechism (CLICK HERE) or a youtube video like the one from the 3 Minute Catechism series (CLICK HERE).
- Pray for all those that have not yet been baptized into Christ.
- Pray the Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary and spend extra time meditating on the Baptism of Jesus.
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