Baptism: Where Christ Reveals Who He Is—and Who We Become

Father Chris Alar, MIC explains why the Baptism of the Lord stands at the heart of the Church’s liturgical year. What began at Christmas with the revelation of Christ’s humanity now culminates in the public manifestation of His divinity. At the Jordan, the Father’s voice is heard, the Spirit descends, and Jesus is revealed as the beloved Son (ref. Mt 3:16–17).

Father Chris shows how the Epiphany is not a single moment, but a series of divine revelations: the Magi, the Baptism of the Lord, and Cana. Together, these complete what Christmas begins. Jesus does not need Baptism, yet He enters the waters to sanctify them and to stand in solidarity with fallen humanity.

This mystery is inseparably linked to our own Baptism. As Christ is revealed as Son, we are made adopted sons and daughters of the Father. The heavens are opened, sins are washed away, sanctifying grace is poured into the soul, and divine life truly begins. As the Catechism teaches, the Sacraments are not symbols alone, but efficacious signs that actually confer grace (Catechism §1131).

Father Chris urges the faithful not to delay Baptism, especially for children. Christ Himself commands, “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved” (Mk 16:16; NABRE). This feast calls us to gratitude, reverence, and renewed faith in the mercy God has given us through His Church.