Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7 / Acts 10:34-38 / Mark 1:7-11
The Christmas season is not just about celebrating the birth of Christ. It is also to wait in hope and expectation for the second coming of the Lord Jesus.
We celebrate the birth of Jesus on Christmas Day. The birth of Christ is then announced to the whole world in the feast of the Epiphany, as symbolized by the wise men who came to adore the King of the Jews.
The mystery of the Incarnation at Christmas comes to its fullness with the Baptism of the Lord, the feast we are celebrating today.
And with the Baptism of the Lord, the mystery of salvation unfolds from the Incarnation to mission.
As the 2nd reading puts it - God anointed Jesus with the Holy Spirit and with power, and because God was with Him, Jesus went about doing good and curing all who had fallen into the power of the devil.
The 1st reading would spell out concretely what that would mean - He does not break the crushed reed, nor quench the wavering flame. Faithfully he brings true justice; he will neither waver, nor be crushed until true justice is established on earth.
As we renew our baptism promises in the celebration of this feast, let us also pledge our obedience to God and commit ourselves to the justice of God.
Like Jesus, we too are empowered with the Holy Spirit. Let us go forth doing good and fight against sin and evil.