Baptism of the Lord Homily, 1/9/05

See final homily here at the OLA website. You can listen, too.


Preliminary Notes:

Readings for the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord

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Scripture references:

Gospel: Matthew 3:13-17
First Reading: Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7
Second Reading: Acts 10:34-38

Check out one of the most ancient images of the Baptism of Christ, one of the mosaics in the Baptistry at Ravenna, 5th century, and compare it with the more familiar images we have, for example, one by Andrea del Verrocchio/Leonardo da Vinci or by Tintoretto.

Notice the difference? Yeah, Jesus is in the water (and obviously naked) in the more ancient image, while a little bit of water is poured over his head in the more modern (15th century) pictures. What is that telling us about the evolution of how we perform baptism, from full immersion (signifying immersion into the death and burial of Christ) to pouring from a little pot (signifying, well, a rather superficial washing).

I may plan a homily with media for this one.

Of course, the outward form of the baptism is secondary, yet important as it conveys and supports the meaning. "A little dab'll do ya" may well be valid, but it does not speak very eloquently of the riches of sacramental Christian initiation. Remember the old Baltimore Catechism definition of sacraments? "A sacrament is an outward sign, instituted by Christ, to give grace." The outward sign comes first, and its quality does make a difference