Today we celebrate the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord. Let us take this as an opportunity for the appreciation of our own baptism in our call to journey as a synodal Church.In today's Gospel (Mt 3:13-17), Jesus comes to John at the Jordan. John hesitates, saying he is unworthy. Yet Jesus insists: "Allow it now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness" (v. 15 ). Jesus enters the waters not because He needs repentance, but because He chooses to stand with us—sharing our human condition and embracing the Father's saving will.
And then something beautiful happens. "The heavens were opened, the Spirit of God descended like a dove, and a voice came from heaven, 'This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased'" (vv. 16-17 ).
What happens to Jesus at the Jordan reveals what baptism means—for Him and for us. From this flow the three pillars of synodality: communion, participation, and mission .
Baptism draws us into COMMUNION: We are God's beloved sons and daughters
When Jesus rises from the waters, the Father declares: "This is my beloved Son" (v. 17). Before Jesus performs a miracle or preaches a sermon, He is first affirmed in love.
Have we ever paused to ask: Who am I, really, in the eyes of God? Before our titles, professions, or roles in the Church—do we remember that we are first God's beloved?
In baptism, we are given a new identity. We are no longer strangers or outsiders. We become sons and daughters of God, members of one Body in Christ (cf. Rom 6:3-5). This is the foundation of communion .
Synodality begins here. A Church that walks together is possible only when we truly believe that we belong to one another. There is no "us" and "them" in the Church—only the baptized journeying together.
If we truly live our baptismal communion, then we must ask: Do I see others in the Church as brothers and sisters, or as rivals and outsiders? Communion calls us to overcome division, listen with respect, and build unity—starting in our families, parishes, and communities.
Baptism calls us to PARTICIPATION: All are given a voice and a role
After Jesus' baptism,"the Spirit of God descended upon him"(Mt. 3:16). This moment marks the beginning of His public ministry. The Spirit does not come for decoration—but for mission.
So let us ask: If we have received the same Spirit in baptism and confirmation, why do we sometimes act as if the Church belongs only to a few? Why do some remain silent, while others carry everything?
Through baptism, every believer is anointed by the Spirit and gifted with charisms for the good of all (cf. 1 Cor 12:4-7) Participation is not a privilege; it is a baptismal responsibility.
This is why synodality insists on listening—especially to voices often unheard. The Church walks together when all are allowed to speak, discern, and serve according to the gifts God has given them.
Participation invites us to ask: Where is God calling me to be involved? It may mean offering time, talent, or wisdom—joining parish ministries, engaging in formation, or simply speaking with honesty and love when discernment is needed.
Baptism sends us on MISSION: We are co-responsible for God's saving work
After the Jordan, Jesus does not remain by the river. He goes out—to proclaim the Kingdom, heal the broken, and lay down His life. Baptism always leads outward.
After Jesus' baptism,"the Spirit of God descended upon him"(Mt. 3:16). This moment marks the beginning of His public ministry. The Spirit does not come for decoration—but for mission.
So let us ask: If we have received the same Spirit in baptism and confirmation, why do we sometimes act as if the Church belongs only to a few? Why do some remain silent, while others carry everything?
Through baptism, every believer is anointed by the Spirit and gifted with charisms for the good of all (cf. 1 Cor 12:4-7) Participation is not a privilege; it is a baptismal responsibility.
This is why synodality insists on listening—especially to voices often unheard. The Church walks together when all are allowed to speak, discern, and serve according to the gifts God has given them.
Participation invites us to ask: Where is God calling me to be involved? It may mean offering time, talent, or wisdom—joining parish ministries, engaging in formation, or simply speaking with honesty and love when discernment is needed.
Baptism sends us on MISSION: We are co-responsible for God's saving work
After the Jordan, Jesus does not remain by the river. He goes out—to proclaim the Kingdom, heal the broken, and lay down His life. Baptism always leads outward.
By baptism, all of us share in Christ's priestly, prophetic, and kingly mission (cf. 1 Pet 2:9). Mission is not reserved for clergy or religious. The laity, too, are missionaries—in homes, workplaces, schools, and society. A synodal Church does not walk together for comfort. It walks together so that together it may be sent.
Mission challenges us to ask: Where am I sent today? It may be in caring for the poor, witnessing to honesty at work, nurturing faith at home, or standing for truth in society. Living our baptism means allowing our faith to shape how we live and serve.
Conclusion. Today the heavens open once more—not only over the Jordan, but over our lives. At our baptism, God spoke our name and called us beloved.
May we never forget that synodality begins at the baptismal font —where communion is born, participation is entrusted, and mission is ignited. Renewed by our baptism, may we truly walk together as a Church that listens, serves, and goes forth with joy.
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