The readings this week offer both a very particular and a universal message. On the one hand God chose a certain individual who belonged to a certain people. Yet the good news God delivered goes out to all nations.

Franciscan friar Richard Rohr once said that people are broken in two places: in their sexuality and in their response to authority. That’s a fair reading of the Book of Genesis' story about Adam and Eve, who first defy God’s rule and then betray one another. It’s the second fracture Rohr mentions that’s really the primary one: the break with authority. It’s particularly vital to heal that one if you expect to make any progress in the life of faith. Begin by admitting it: Authority rankles. Infants squirm in the arms of their parents, and children from the age of 2 learn to say no. Life consists of an endless stream of authorities who tell you what you must and must not

Jesus then appeared, arriving at the Jordan River from Galilee. He wanted John to baptize him. John objected, “I’m the one who needs to be baptized, not you!”

After the ceremony, as folks gathered around the newest member of God’s family, she’d slide herself into the family portrait and blended right in. I often wonder what the parents thought when they looked at the pictures and saw this elderly woman with a soft smile and asked each other who she was only to find that neither of them knew. Their question would never be answered.

Brothers and sisters, let us acknowledge our sins, and so prepare ourselves to celebrate the sacred mysteries.

Baptism is about beginnings, especially the beginning of a life of faith, and the readings for today’s feast give direction to that life. First, listen to the servant.

In his birth (Christmas), his adoration by the Magi (Epiphany), and the coming of the Spirit upon him (Baptism of the Lord) Jesus is revealed to be the Son of God.

Christian living means dying with Christ and rising again. That . . . is part of the meaning of baptism, the starting point of the Christian pilgrimage.