Exultation of the Cross

 

Homily

The Baptism of the Lord

January 11, 2026

 

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

 

This is such a graceful action; a simple gesture with a powerful meaning; the Sign of the Cross is a prayer in itself. We start prayer with it. We begin Mass with it, the greatest prayer. It invokes the Blessed Trinity and reminds us of our Baptismal vows.

 

When we are Baptized, we make a vow. During Easter, we renew our Baptismal vows. These vows are to reject sin and embrace our Catholic Faith – belief in the Blessed Trinity, Father, Son, Holy Spirit, and acceptance of our membership in the Body of Christ, as children of God.

 

As we enter this beautiful Cathedral, we bless ourselves with Holy Water while making the Sign of the Cross. Now, I’m not saying everyone should do this, but I have Holy Water fonts in my home that Fr. Maher assures me grants me a plenary indulgence every time I use them. Right Fr.?

 

Baptism is called the Gateway Sacrament. It is the first of the Sacraments because it is through Baptism that we are healed of Original Sin and personal sin, and the stain from our personal sin, and are reconnected to grace that the Holy Spirit so much wants to give us. Without Baptism, Original Sin blocks us from Grace.

 

Who remembers their Baptism? Many of us were Baptized as babies. I was Baptized when I was just a few weeks old. Some of us were Baptized later in life, maybe at the Easter Vigil, which is such an amazing experience. Some of you are preparing to enter the Church at the Easter Vigil and will know first-hand the power of the Sacraments of Initiation – Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist.

 

If you are not yet Baptized, go ahead and make the Sign of the Cross; it’s a great prayer for all of us.

 

As an ordinary minister of Baptism, I’ve had the privilege and honor of Baptizing nearly 100 children. My favorite Meme is that of a baby, barely able to sit up, talking on a phone, saying, “I kid you not; some guy in a dress tried to drown me today and everyone just stood there taking pictures.” That was me! I’m that guy in the dress. My job before the Baptism is to teach the parents just what Baptism is and their obligation to teach their children the faith.

 

Just as it is the parents obligation to teach their children how to live in this world – being nice, sharing, learning their ABC’s and 123’s – it is even more important to teach their children how to live for the next life now – love God with all our heart, mind, and soul, and love our neighbor as ourselves. Children can’t learn this on their own; they need us. And we need to be knowledgeable Catholics to be good role models for our children. In my Baptism Homily, I say, “You’ve heard that it takes a village to raise a child; I know it takes a family of faith to raise a future saint.” And it begins with Baptism.

 

We know why Baptism is so important, but why did Jesus have to be Baptized? He is God; He wasn’t afflicted with Original Sin. There are four reasons, based on the Catechism of the Catholic Church and the early Church Fathers:

 

1.     To Fulfill God's Plan of Salvation:

Jesus submitted to baptism to completely align Himself with the Father's will and carry out the divine plan for our redemption.

 

2.     To Sanctify the Waters of Baptism:

When the sinless Christ entered the Jordan, He purified and sanctified the waters for all future baptisms.

 

3.     To Inaugurate His Public Ministry and Reveal the Trinity:

His baptism marks the beginning of His public life. This epiphany confirms Jesus as the Messiah, equipping Him with the Spirit for His mission. And it reveals the Trinitarian mystery: The Son is baptized, the Holy Spirit descends like a dove, and the Father's voice declares, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased."

 

4.     To Set an Example of Humility and Obedience:

Even though Jesus is superior to John, Jesus humbly submits to Baptism, teaching us obedience to the Father.

 

What Jesus did not need for Himself, He freely accepted on our behalf, for our sake.

 

In today’s Gospel, we Jesus see Baptized. This scene reveals the Holy Trinity in full glory: the Father speaking, the Son obedient, the Spirit descending. Yet what strikes us most is the humility of Jesus. The sinless One, enters the waters meant for sinners. He identifies completely with us, taking our place, sharing our human condition to the fullest while transforming the substance of water into a fountain of grace.

 

The first reading from Isaiah foretells this revelation. God speaks of His servant: “Here is my chosen one with whom I am pleased.” These words, first spoken of Israel and the promised Messiah, are fulfilled in Jesus at His baptism. He is the gentle servant who brings justice, opening eyes that are blind, freeing captives from prison, and becoming a light for the nations. In the second reading, Peter proclaims this truth: God anointed Jesus with the Holy Spirit and power. After His baptism, Jesus began His Mission, for God was with Him.

 

Friends, this feast is not only about the Baptism of Jesus; it is about ours. Through Baptism, we are plunged into His death and resurrection. The Holy Spirit descends upon us and heals us, and we become beloved sons and daughters of the Father. As Paul reminds us, through baptism we are adopted children of God. Yet how often do we forget this dignity? This world measures worth by money or power, and we may feel discouraged, unworthy. But hear again the words of the Father, and know these words are for you: “You are my beloved child, with whom I am well pleased.” Not because of what you achieve, but because of whose you are. You are beloved because God chose you.

 

Like Jesus, we are called to humility. Through Baptism, we are anointed as priest, prophet, and king: we offer our lives in worship, proclaim God's mercy, and serve in building His kingdom. In our daily lives, this means forgiving those who hurt us, reaching out to the lonely, defending the vulnerable. It means bringing light to dark places: a word of encouragement at work, patience in family trials, generosity from God’s abundance.

 

As we begin Ordinary Time (and yes, today is the last day of Christmas), let us carry the extraordinary grace of our Baptism. And let us pray: In the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.