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Pope Benedict XVI- Angelus |
Angelus
Message
On the Baptism of the Lord
"Holiness Constitutes the Vocation of All the Baptized"
H.H. Benedict XVI
January 7, 2007
www.zenit.org
Dear Brothers and Sisters:
Today the feast of the Baptism of the Lord is celebrated, which
closes the Christmas season. The liturgy proposes to us the
narrative of Jesus' baptism in the Jordan, according to St. Luke's
account (cf. 3:15-16.21-22). The Evangelist narrates that, while
Jesus was at prayer, after having received baptism among the many
who were attracted by the precursor's preaching, the heavens opened
and the Holy Spirit descended upon him in the form of a dove. At
that moment, a voice resounded from on high: "You are my beloved
Son; with you I am well pleased" (Luke 3:22).
Jesus' baptism in the Jordan is recalled and highlighted, though in
a different manner, by all the Evangelists. It formed part, in fact,
of the apostolic preaching, as it constituted the starting point of
a series of events and words on which the apostles were to give
testimony (cf. Acts 1:21-22; 10:37-41). The apostolic community
considered it very important, not only because in that circumstance,
for the first time in history, the manifestation was taking place of
the Trinitarian mystery in a clear and complete manner, but also
because with that event Jesus' public ministry began on the roads of
Palestine.
Jesus' baptism in the Jordan is the anticipation of his baptism of
blood on the cross, and it is also a symbol of all the sacramental
activity with which the Redeemer would enact the salvation of
humanity. For this reason, the patristic tradition has paid much
attention to this feast, which is the most ancient after Easter. "In
the baptism of Christ," sings the liturgy of today, "the world is
sanctified, sins are forgiven; in the water and in the Spirit we
become new creatures" ("Antiphon to the Benedictus," Office of
Lauds).
There is a profound relationship between Christ's baptism and our
baptism. In the Jordan, the heavens were opened (cf. Luke 3:21) to
indicate that the Savior opened to us the way of salvation and that
we can follow it precisely thanks to the new birth "of water and the
Spirit" (John 3:5), which takes place in baptism. In it, we are
introduced in the mystical body of Christ, which is the Church, we
die and rise with him, we are clothed in him, as the Apostle Paul
underlines on several occasions (cf. 1 Corinthians 12:13; Romans
6:3-5; Galatians 3:27). The commitment that arises from baptism
consists therefore in "listening" to Jesus, that is, to believe in
him and follow him docilely doing his will, the will of God. In this
way, each one of us can aspire to holiness, a goal that, as the
Second Vatican Council reminded, constitutes the vocation of all the
baptized. May we be helped by Mary, mother of the beloved Son of
God, to always be faithful to our baptism.
[Translation by ZENIT]
[At the end of the Angelus the Holy Father greeted pilgrims in six
languages. In English, he said:]
I offer a warm welcome to the English-speaking visitors and pilgrims
gathered for this Angelus prayer. Today's liturgical celebration of
the baptism of the Lord reminds us that through faith and baptism
all humanity is called to share in the life of God revealed in Jesus
Christ, the Eternal Son. May this mystery of light inspire all of us
to live fully the new life of grace bestowed upon us at our baptism
and to be faithful witnesses of Christ before the world. God bless
you and your families!
© Copyright 2007 -- Libreria Editrice Vaticana
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