The Baptism of Jesus Christ The Baptism of Jesus Christ gives us an opportunity to reflect on what our own baptism means. A good place to start is with the word baptism. Its origin is the Greek word – baptizo – which means “to plunge or immerse.” By being baptized Jesus was immersed into humanity. Jesus Christ – God with us –was plunged into a very dysfunctional world … a world full of selfishness, injustice and fear. Consequently, we have a God Who understands humanity. He understands our hurts. He gets our wounds. He feels our pain. Oftentimes the question arises: Why was Jesus baptized to begin with? After all, John the Baptist was preaching a baptism of repentance. Because Jesus had no sin, why would He accept baptism? Not only was Jesus immersing Himself into humanity, but He was also setting an example. By humbly accepting baptism, Jesus was modeling behavior for us. But Jesus isn’t simply an example to follow. He’s a life to be lived! Christianity is not simply about being a good person by following Jesus. As important as that is, to be a Christian means to be drawn into the inner life of God. To be a Christian means to share in Christ’s relationship with the Father. Christ was plunged into humanity, but we’re immersed into Divinity at baptism. That’s what Christ meant in John 17 when He said, “I in them and you in me.” That’s what Saint Paul meant when he exclaimed that “you’re IN Christ” (2 Corinthians 5). Jesus Christ has dwelled in us since our baptism. Therefore, we are sons and daughters of God the Father. Friends, the last line of the Gospel (Mark 1:7-11) is this: “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.” Because of our baptism, God the Father is saying this to us!