Baptism and Commission

Matthew 3: 13-17, Mark 1: 9-11, Luke 3: 21-22, John 1: 32-34
All four Gospels have an account of the Baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist, the event that launches his public ministry. The three synoptic Gospels also contain a version of the phrase spoken from the heavens by God the Father, “You are my beloved son; with you I am well pleased.” Each scene includes the Spirit descending and identifies Jesus as the Son of God. Why did Jesus, who was without sin, ask to be baptized? It is an act of great humility and solidarity with human sinners. We too enter the transforming waters of Baptism and emerge free of original sin with new life, a new identity as a child of God and a member of the faith community, and a new mission to go forth to love and to serve in the name of Jesus.

Symbols

• The abundant, flowing baptismal water of the Jordan River.
• St. John the Baptist baptizing Jesus as he is immersed in the river.
• The word “Beloved” woven into the scene reminding us of God’s love for Jesus and love for us always.
• The light of Christ, first presented to us at our Baptism, is symbolized by a candle burning brightly.

The three synoptic Gospels each have a version of the Great Commission just before Jesus’ Ascension into heaven. These passages are the basis for our understanding that the Church exists to evangelize, for each of us to be a witness to the love of Jesus in our own lives. Evangelization begins at home, “beginning from Jerusalem,” and then we are sent out “ad gentes,” to the community, to all the nations, to all the world. And we never go alone. Jesus sends us the Holy Spirit, promising he is with us always.
Symbols

• “The World” – this window is a montage of many diverse people receiving and accepting the commission to share the love of Jesus with all nations.
• The words, Baptize—Go Forth – Love – Serve, remind us that Jesus commissions us too, first in our Baptism, and each time we go forth from Mass to love and serve the Lord by how we live our lives in the world.