Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Vatican City (Fides Service) – “In the baptism at the Jordan the messianic style of Jesus is clearly revealed: He comes as the "Lamb of God", to take upon himself and wash away the sin of the world. This is how the Baptist describes Him to the disciples. We too, after celebrating at Christmas the great event of the incarnation, are invited to keep our gaze on Jesus, human face of God and divine face of man.” This was how Pope John Paul II introduced the Angelus prayer on Sunday 11 January from his study window overlooking St Peter’s Square where thousands of Romans and visitors from all over the world had gathered to pray with him and receive his blessing.
Referring to the episode of the Baptism of Jesus, the Pope said “this was the first public manifestation of the Messianic identity of Jesus after the adoration of the Three Wise Men. This is why the Liturgy celebrates the Baptism immediately after the Epiphany making a chronological leap of about 30 years: the Child, whom the Three Wise Men adore as the Messianic King, we see today consecrated by the Father in the Holy Spirit.” Lastly the Holy Father underlined that “the Baptism of Christ is the first mystery of Light for Mary and for the whole Church” adding, that he wished “it might illuminate the path of every Christian!”.
(S.L.) (Fides Service 12/1/2004 – lines 15; words 208)
