January is a month of new beginnings. Obviously, the beginning of a whole new year and with that comes a new resolve to do things in a different way – we call them New Years’ resolutions. Beginnings are filled with hope and the promise of what lies ahead. Beginnings give us energy and challenge and direction.

            Today we celebrate the Baptism of the Lord. Baptism is always a celebration of a new beginning. For the infant, it is the beginning of life in Christ; for an adult, Baptism is a saying goodbye to what has been and hello to a new life in Christ; for all those that John Baptized in the Jordan River, it was a preparation to welcome Jesus when He came into their lives.

            Baptism for Jesus was also a new beginning. His Baptism marks the start of His public ministry. Until this time He has been living a rather unnoticed life; today, however, He steps forward and embarks on what will be the most remarkable change in the history of the world. Jesus comes forth as the savior.

            Because He was fully human, I have no doubt that Jesus experienced the same anxiety and misgivings we all feel when we begin something new.  All the more important was that image of the dove descending upon him and those words of encouragement He heard from God the Father: You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.

            Who of us doesn’t like to hear words of encouragement:  Well done; I’m on your side; take heart; good job; I am pleased; I understand; I care; I love you!. And those sentiments are inherent in the words of God the Father to Jesus.

            I think that one of the important messages of this feast today is that whenever we are anxious or have misgivings, whenever we are shakey or fearful, God voices those same words of encouragement to us. How often for example in the Scriptures do we hear His message of “Do not be afraid”???

            In today’s first reading from, Isaiah the Prophet the Lord reassures the people of Israel (and all of us) that He will care for them, giving them all that they need for life. While they struggle for the  bare necessities of life, God promises that He will provide.

            God keeps His promise by sending us His Son; As we move forward into this New Year, may we trust that God will be by our side, caring, nurturing, and providing us with all we need for life.