Today we celebrate the baptism of Christ, reflecting on when the Spirit of God descended upon our Savior like a dove and the Lord spoke from heaven saying, “This is my Son, in whom I am well pleased.” (Matthew 3:17)
This event marked Christ as fully God, yet fully man. The heavens themselves opened up to magnify him, yet he stooped so low to mingle with sinners, the sick and the dejected. It is at this moment that the mission of Christ Jesus is confirmed by his Father’s testimony—to come to the world, redeem the lost and give life to the hurting.
We too are called to a similar purpose. When Christ left this earth, he baptized his disciples in the Spirit and commanded them to “Go and make disciples of all nations.” (Matthew 28:19) The model he gives us is one of compassion—extending love, care and healing to the poorest of the poor. We at Cross Catholic Outreach strive to follow Christ’s example and bring life-saving physical and spiritual help to those who need it most.
O God, who through your Son raised up your eternal light for all nations, grant that your people may come to acknowledge the full splendor of their Redeemer, that, bathed ever more in his radiance, they may reach everlasting glory. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
-Annie W.
