Epiphany 1B: The Baptism of our Lord (Mark 1:4-11)

​Have you ever owned or gifted a sports jersey? Consider my sister-in-law, a devoted Aaron Rodgers fan, boasting jerseys from both the Packers and the Jets. The act of donning a sports jersey carries a psychological dimension; it serves as a means to align oneself with a cherished team or player. Wearing an Aaron Rodgers jersey might inspire one to emulate his throws, just as donning a LeBron James or Michael Jordan jersey might evoke a sense of prowess on the basketball court.

Reflecting on my own experience, I once received a LeBron James Cavaliers jersey from youth group students during my tenure as a youth pastor. While I wasn't an avid LeBron fan, the gesture held sentimental value. Another jersey, a gift from my father, was the jersey of John Starks of the Knicks—a legendary player with a renowned fiery temperament. But as a 12-year-old who only cared about the best player, I would’ve preferred a Michael Jordan jersey to play like Mike. 

You might question the relevance of this discourse on sports jerseys. However, the connection becomes apparent in the context of today's gospel lesson on the baptism of Jesus. The practice of baptism finds meaning through Jesus, akin to donning a "Jesus jersey" to adeptly embody and live like him. This baptism envelops us in the divine presence, offering a new identity akin to Jesus of Nazareth, as expressed in Mark 1:11: "You are my Son, the Beloved; with you, I am well pleased."

The unique identity bestowed upon us through Jesus' baptism differs from the common human inclination to enhance ourselves for superiority. Instead, it invites us to live in a new reality, free from the need for external validations. The narrative explores our habit of identification, emphasizing the tendency to seek security and confidence externally, particularly in a modern world marked by existential anxieties like the fear of missing out (FOMO). It’s an emotional response to the belief that other people are living better, more satisfying lives or that important opportunities are being missed. Deep down this fear lies an existential anxiety of non-existing. 

Contrary to expectations, Jesus' baptism doesn't provide a grandiose identity boost. It challenges our desire to append ourselves to something superior and, in essence, communicates the message: "I don't need anything to justify who I am and what I become." This essential baptismal message fosters existential and spiritual contentment, grounded in the realization of being "beloved." We are baptized into Jesus' baptism not to acquire grandeur but to embody Christ's essence and live like Him, emphasizing the experience of being beloved, which is best manifested in the practice of stilling prayer.

Stilling prayer, akin to immersing oneself in the waters of baptism, requires quieting busy, anxious minds. The invitation is to dive deep into the spiritual waters, where there is no need to strain to hear God's voice affirming, "You're my beloved." The key lies in stilling the mind, a skillful practice often initiated through an attitude of gratitude. Grateful for people around me, even if some of them are not so kind to me. Grateful for things, environments, natures, foods, and all things that help me survive. Gratitude, expressed even for challenging interactions and the simple elements of life, paves the way for a profound experience of being loved. 

I hope and pray that in this year 2024, all of us become more skillful in cultivating this nature of “belovedness” in our body and mind.