The Question of Baptism

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Christmas Season:   2nd Jan : Friday*

*Gospel :  John 1:19-28*

*First Reading : 1John 2: 22-28*

*Responsorial Psalm : 98:1-4*

*The Question of Baptism* : 

*1) Why is baptism linked to Christ, Elijah, and “the Prophet”?*

*In Jewish expectation:* 

*A) The Christ (Messiah)* : The Messiah was expected to bring God’s final salvation and restore Israel. Such authority would include spiritual renewal, so acts like baptism (symbolizing cleansing and repentance) were expected to come with him.

*B) Elijah* : Based on Malachi 4:5, Elijah was expected to return before the day of the Lord to call people back to God. His mission would involve repentance and moral reform, which fits with baptism.

*C) The Prophet* : Refers to Deuteronomy 18:15, “a prophet like Moses.” Moses led Israel through the sea and established the covenant; a new prophet might be expected to bring a new act of covenant renewal, possibly through a symbolic act like baptism.

So the leaders were asking: “If you are not one of these divinely appointed figures, by what authority are you baptizing?”

Baptism, to them, was not just a ritual—it signaled end-time renewal and divine authority.

*2) Meaning of John’s baptism:*

It was a baptism of repentance

It prepared people to receive the Messiah

It pointed away from John and toward Jesus

John baptizes not because he is the Christ, Elijah, or the Prophet, but because:

God sent him ahead of the Messiah

His mission was preparatory, not final

This is why John says: “I baptize with water, but among you stands one you do not know.” (John 1:26)

*3) Deeper Understanding of Baptism* 

*A) Authority comes from God, not titles*

The leaders focus on who John is.

John focuses on what God has sent him to do.

God’s work is not limited to famous roles or titles.

*B) Baptism is about preparation, not status*

John’s baptism teaches that:

Before salvation comes repentance

Before transformation comes humility

Before Christ is revealed, hearts must be ready

*C) John models true ministry*

He does not claim glory

He does not compete with Christ

He points beyond himself

“He must increase, but I must decrease.” (John 3:30)

*4) Relevance in the present-day context*

*A) For Christian life*

Baptism today reminds us that:

Faith is not just belief, but repentance and change

We are called to prepare our lives daily for Christ’s presence

*B) For Christian leadership and service*

John teaches us:

Ministry is not about position or recognition

True service points people to Christ, not to ourselves

In today’s world of self-promotion, John’s humility is deeply relevant.

*C) For the Church*

The Church, like John, exists to:

Prepare people for Christ

Call people to repentance and renewal

Be a witness, not the center

How do I See my Own Baptism today?

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*