Sunday, January 12, 2020 — Baptism of the Lord — Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Matthew 3, 13-17 — The heavens were opened... a voice said: "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased."

As John baptizes the crowd that listened to his preaching, Jesus comes to be baptized in turn. John's refusal is not surprising because Jesus has no sin to be forgiven. He came to mingle with the sinners and to convince John, He said to him, "Let it be for the time being, for it is fitting that we thus fulfill all righteousness". Righteousness here is the fulfillment of God's will. It is Jesus who accomplishes the conversion of the man so that he may be worthy of the Kingdom of God. John's baptism is a preparation for the reception of this Kingdom of God. It is also a fulfillment of our daily prayer: "... Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven".

At the moment when John baptizes Jesus, heaven opens and a voice is heard: "This is my beloved Son, in whom I find my joy". Heaven opens to the one who listens and believes in Jesus. The baptism we have received makes us sons of God, heirs of eternal life. May our status as baptized, sons of God be effective in our lives. Heaven is open to us when we do God's will.