from phatcatholic apologetics
Since today we celebrate the moment when Jesus Christ consented to be baptized, I thought I would share the words of Pope Benedict XVI in his book Jesus of Nazareth, where he explains why Jesus gave that consent:- The act of descending into the waters of this Baptism implies a confession of guilt and a plea for forgiveness in order to make a new beginning. In a world marked by sin, then, this Yes to the entire will of God also expresses solidarity with men, who have incurred guilt but yearn for righteousness. The significance of this event could not fully emerge until it was seen in light of the Cross and Resurrection. Descending into the water, the candidates for Baptism confess their sin and seek to be rid of their burden of guilt. What did Jesus do in the same situation? Luke, who throughout his Gospel is keenly attentive to Jesus' prayer, and portrays him again and again at prayer -- in conversation with the Father -- tells us that Jesus was praying while he received Baptism (cf. Lk 3:21). Looking at the events in light of the Cross and Resurrection, the Christian people realized what happened: Jesus loaded the burden of all mankind's guilt upon his shoulders; he bore it down into the depths of the Jordan. He inaugurated his public activity by stepping into the place of sinners. His inaugural gesture is an anticipation of the Cross. He is, as it were, the true Johan who said to the crew of the ship, "Take me and throw me into the sea" (Jon 1:12). The whole significance of Jesus' Baptism, the fact that he bears, "all righteousness," first comes to light on the Cross: The Baptism is an acceptance of death for the sins of humanity, and the voice that calls out "This is my beloved Son" over the baptismal waters is an anticipatory reference to the Resurrection. This also explains why, in his own discourses, Jesus uses the word baptism to refer to his death (cf. Mk 10:38; Lk 12:50). (p. 17-18)
The Holy Father's entire meditation upon this scene blew me away when I first read it. If you have not read Jesus of Nazareth, I highly suggest it. As for my own meager offerings, I present the following links to past blog posts on baptism:
- On the Washing of Regeneration
- On Necessity and Wetness: Parts One -- Two -- Three
- Is Baptism Necessary for Salvation [an incomplete debate]: Parts One -- Two
- Eight Key Points, Part 5: Infant Baptism
- Repent, and Do What?
- On Baptism by Immersion
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