In the Bible, places are never neutral in neutral in gender. Seas, deserts, mountains, rivers, and borderlands carry deep theological meaning. When Jesus comes to be baptised, he chooses a place called Bethabara, of the Jordan where Israel once crossed from slavery into freedom. Significantly, this place lies at the lowest point on earth, far below sea level.
Jesus deliberately begins his public life there. The Son who descends from heaven chooses to descend even further—into the abyss. By doing so, he reveals something decisive about God: no depth is too low for his mercy. No human life is so broken, no sin so heavy, no failure so final that God refuses to go there. The Jordan becomes the sign of a new exodus, not from Egypt, but from every form of bondage that imprisons the human heart.
The first reading from Isaiah introduces the mysterious Servant of the Lord. Chosen not for privilege but for mission, this servant does not impose justice with force or violence. He does not crush the weak or extinguish the fragile flame. God’s justice is revealed as patience, healing, and faithfulness. This servant is sent to open blind eyes, free captives, and bring light to those who dwell in darkness. The early Christians, reflecting on the death and resurrection of Jesus, recognized in this Servant the very image of Christ himself.
In the second reading, Peter proclaims a revolutionary truth: God shows no partiality. Salvation is not reserved for one people, one culture, or one religious group. Jesus “went about doing good and healing all who were under the power of evil.” This simple phrase sums up his entire mission. Wherever life was diminished, Jesus restored it. Wherever evil enslaved, he liberated. And he could do this because “God was with him.”
The Gospel confronts us with a striking paradox. Jesus, the sinless one, enters the waters of repentance. John the Baptist hesitates, confused by a Messiah who stands among sinners instead of judging them. But Jesus insists: this is how God’s righteousness is fulfilled. God’s justice is not separation from sinners but solidarity with them. Christ is not ashamed to call us brothers and sisters.
Then come the three great signs: the heavens opened, the Spirit descending like a dove, and the voice from heaven. Heaven, long thought closed, is now torn open forever. God is no longer distant. The Spirit descends not as fire or destruction, but as gentleness and peace. And the voice reveals Jesus’ true identity: the Son, the Beloved, the Servant in whom God delights.
What humanity judged as weakness and failure, God proclaims as love and fidelity. From the waters of the Jordan, Jesus rises to begin the journey that will lead him to the cross—and beyond it, to life.
Our baptism draws us into this same mystery. Each day we are invited to descend with Christ—into truth, humility, repentance—so that we may rise with him into freedom. The God who went down into the abyss for us never abandons his children. His grace continues to appear, bringing salvation to all.
Father Fernando Armellini SCJ
Claretian Publications
bibleclaret.org
Translated by Father John Ledesma SDB
Abridged by Father Thomas Thennedyil CMF
