“ Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptised by John ” v 13.

This weekend, the Church brings closure to the season of Christmas and we are presented with a text that is the epitome of the Incarnation, God becoming human and entering into our human history.

In order to appreciate our gospel passage it is important to note the scenario that preceded our text for today. People were coming from Jerusalem , Judea and the whole region around the Jordan to be baptised by John the Baptist. Even the Pharisees and Sadducees made their way as a sign of acknowledgement for their sins.

It is within this context that Jesus joins the rank and file of all those coming to be baptised by John. Jesus comes “ to be baptised ”. He does not stand by as a spectator, an observer or a commentator, nor does he see himself as separate or apart from the people. John's effort to “ dissuade him ” is futile and John we are told ‘gave in to him'.

Jesus explains to John that this is his choice and it is the way he wants to go. His decision reveals his identification and solidarity with all who were acknowledging their sins. At the moment of his baptism, Jesus gives a clear signal that his leadership will be one of closeness and oneness with the people.

On the day of his consecration as bishop of a diocese in Brazil , Fr Pedro Casaldaliga opted for a rustic palm-leaf hat as his mitre and an oar from the Amazonian peoples as his crozier. He did away altogether with the ring.

The symbols he chose were representative of his commitment as a shepherd and defender of the Indians whom he served. Fr Pedro was involved in the Liberation Theology Movement of the 70's and 80's in Latin America when the Church there made a deliberate option for the poor.

His lifestyle, closeness and solidarity with the Indians reflected a leadership that was at one with the people, he was part of their lives. Like Jesus, Bishop Pedro made a decision “ to be baptised ” and live and work amongst the people of Amazonia . No amount of dissuasion could prevent him from the stand he had taken. He chose that way.

Our own Archbishop Anthony Pantin (RIP) for many years chose not to accept a pass for the Priority Bus Route when the country was going through a gruelling time with massive traffic jams. He believed that if the ordinary person on the street has to go through all the horrors he too must not be exempt from the experience of the people.

So if it meant leaving two or three hours ahead in order to be on time for a Confirmation ceremony then so be it. He did not desire any special treatment. Many people were inspired by his example. He also was like Jesus, coming from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptised by John. It was a decision he made by word and action to be one with the people and not live apart from them. He knew what he was about.

Quite recently I was involved with a group of parents from my daughter's school working on an upcoming function. One of the parents was a high-ranking officer from the protective services. He solicited the assistance of some of his junior officers and it was truly heartening to see him working with them side by side as they all shared in the workload for the function.

Some of us noted how respectful he was, as he exercised a leadership with rather than delivering orders from on high. That highly ranked officer reminded me of Jesus in the text today; he too was like Jesus who came “ to be baptised ” by John. He did not stand apart or aloof but in his own way he showed oneness, sharing in their labour.

Let us pray:

Lord we thank you for all the Jesus people in our world today, politicians, Prime Ministers, parish priests, CEOs, and teachers, all those in positions of authority who want to be baptised by John. Lord, they live a life of solidarity, their leadership comes from “being with” not “ from above” and no amount of dissuasion can get them to change their minds and hearts because they know deep down that that is the way it should be. Strengthen them Lord, to continue to “be baptized” by John and lead by example

Lord, forgive us for the times when we reject the call to be baptised. We prefer Lord to lead from on high and give the orders, we opt to be separate and aloof from, we do not want to lead by example. Show us your mercy, O Lord.

Lord, we pray that you raise up many young men and women in our world, our country and our communities today to be baptised. Help us to make that choice to live a life of solidarity and to exercise a leadership that builds togetherness and oneness. Amen.

Gospel Meditations for January are by Annie Gomes-Phillips. Mrs Gomes-Phillips is married to Ainsley and is the mother of Avion and Andrew. She is a parishioner of St Theresa's, Woodbrook and vice-principal of Fatima College.