Homily of His Excellency Selim Sfeir, Maronite Archbishop of Cyprus
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
Today we celebrate the Baptism of our Lord, an event full of depth and theological meaning. It invites us to reflect on our own vocation through the baptism we have received.
1. An act of humility and solidarity
Jesus, the Son of God, without sin, is baptized by John the Baptist in the Jordan River. Why? To humble Himself, to unite Himself with our human nature and to show His solidarity with sinners.
And we, as baptized Christians, are called to imitate Christ's humility, to reject pride and acknowledge our dependence on God.
Lord, grant us a humble heart, full of love and gratitude for your presence in our lives.
2. The revelation of the Holy Trinity
At Baptism, heaven is opened, the Holy Spirit descends like a dove, and the voice of the Father is heard, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased."
This event is a theophany, a manifestation of the Holy Trinity. It reminds us that our baptism is not just a ritual, but our entrance into the divine life of the Trinity, into communion with the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Holy Spirit, enlighten us so that we may live daily as children of God.
3. Call to mission
Jesus' Baptism marks the beginning of His public mission. From that moment, He begins to preach, heal and bring hope.
Our baptism, likewise, calls us to a mission. It is not just a sacrament that took place in the past, but a daily invitation to live as witnesses of God's love in the world.
Lord, give us the power to bring your light to those in darkness.
4. A sign of purification and new life
Through baptism, we become new people. We are cleansed from sin and enter into the life of grace. Jesus sanctified the waters of the Jordan River to open the way of salvation for all of us.
Let us ask ourselves: are we living according to the grace of our baptism? Are we light and salt for the world?
Lord, renew the grace of baptism in us and help us to live in holiness.
Epilogue
The Baptism of Jesus is an invitation to remember our own baptism, to renew our faith and to live as children of God, committed to his mission.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, through your Baptism you have opened the way of salvation for us. Help us to live daily as witnesses of your love and peace, filled with the Holy Spirit. Amen.
† Selim Sfeir
Maronite Archbishop of Cyprus