You were baptized

You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.

Unlike most people, who were baptized as infants, Ron remembers well the day he was baptized because he was an adult when it happened.   For him, it was far more than a step his parents took for him so that he could become part of the Church.   It was the day he received new life.   He always tells people what happened to him when the priest poured the holy water over his head.   It was like someone had “turned the lights on.”   He felt a tangible sense of peace and joy.   He knew at that moment that God was with him and that God loves him.

We don’t know what Jesus felt at his baptism.   Unlike us, he didn’t need to be purified from sin.   But his baptism, like ours, was an anointing from the Father.   And we know what the Father thought about him!   There are few recorded instances in Scripture when God speaks on his own, without using a prophet, and this is one of them.   Jesus was his only divine Son; he couldn’t help but voice his approval and delight in him.

Baptism has many effects.   It purifies us from sin, gives us power to live a holy life, and makes us part of Christ’s body.   But these aren’t just theological facts that we need to memorize.   They tell us about a reality that transforms our very existence.   Baptism makes us adopted children of God.   We may not hear an audible voice telling us that he is “well pleased” with us, but we can be sure that this is exactly what God says each time someone is baptized.

How can we know that for sure?   By taking a look at the cross.   If God sent Jesus to offer his life for us, then his love for us must be beyond anything we can imagine.   His delight in us must be strong, affirming, and joyful.

So when you read the Father’s words to Jesus, know that he speaks them to you too.   Today try repeating this to yourself: “I am God’s beloved son or daughter, and he is well pleased with me.”   Let that truth sink in deeper today—and thank your heavenly Father for all his love.

word among us