This Is My Son, the Beloved: Embracing Your Identity in Christ

On this Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, the Gospel invites us into a profound moment at the Jordan River, where heaven breaks open, revealing the Trinity and affirming Jesus' identity. "This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased" (Matt 3:17, NRSV-CE). This divine declaration echoes through time, reminding us that no past darkness—sin, struggle, or suffering—can sever our belonging to the Father through Christ. In Jesus' baptism, we see our own: a call to rise as beloved children, anointed for mission.

The Jordan Moment: Jesus Steps into Our Waters

Jesus approaches John the Baptist, insisting on baptism "to fulfill all righteousness" (Matt 3:15).1 Sinless Himself, He enters the waters we need for purification, uniting His perfect obedience with our frailty. As He emerges, the heavens open, the Spirit descends like a dove, and the Father's voice resounds. This is no mere ritual—it's the Trinity unveiled: Son baptized, Spirit anointing, Father testifying.

St. Thomas Aquinas, drawing on the Church Fathers, highlights the mystery: "The mystery of the Trinity is shown in this baptism. The Lord is baptized; the Spirit descends in the shape of a dove; the voice of the Father is heard giving testimony to the Son." John hesitates—"I need to be baptized by you" (Matt 3:14)—yet consents, modeling humility before divine purpose.1 Here, Isaiah's prophecy unfolds: the Servant upheld by God, gentle yet just, a light to nations (Isa 42:1-7).

The Beloved Son: A Voice That Defines Eternity

The climactic words—"This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased"—seal Jesus' mission. "Beloved" (Greek agapētos) speaks of unique, electing love, poured out fully from Father to Son. As Hilary notes, this is no adoptive title but "a proper and true Son, in verity, not in estimation, by birth, not adoption."The Father's pleasure rests not despite the cross ahead, but through it—foreshadowing redemption.

Peter's Pentecost sermon connects this baptism to anointing: "God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power; how he went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him" (Acts 10:38).4 No partiality—God's favor extends to all nations (Acts 10:34-35).4 The Psalm's thunderous voice over waters proclaims God's majesty (Ps 29:3-4), now personalized in Christ.

From Darkness to Beloved: Your Story in His Baptism

No matter what darkness you've endured—addiction, loss, failure, or shame—Jesus' baptism declares: you are the Father's beloved. He didn't need immersion, yet plunged in for you. In our baptism, the same Spirit descends, the same voice echoes: we become sons and daughters by adoption, heirs through the Beloved. Aquinas explains the Father's delight: "God’s love is the cause of goodness in things... he communicates his entire goodness to the Son." This grace flows to us, quenching every "dimly burning wick" (Isa 42:3).

Imagine a father embracing a prodigal, unchanged by the mud of the pigsty. That's God's gaze on you—"in whom I am well pleased" because of Christ.2 Origen sees the Spirit's dove as overshadowing the just, prophesying God's works.6 Maximus the Confessor affirms the Trinity's revelation at Jordan, uniting divinity and humanity in one beloved hypostasis.7 Your struggles? They don't define you; His pleasure does.

In contemporary life, like a family navigating "dark nights" amid joys and trials, this truth anchors us. Children watch our response—do we live as beloved? Through Jesus, every bruised reed finds strength; every prisoner emerges from dungeons (Isa 42:7).

Hear Him: Step into Your Anointed Life

The Father's words demand response: Hear the Son. In a world of competing voices, Jesus calls you to mission—doing good, healing oppression, as He did. Psalm 29 urges worship in holy splendor (Ps 29:2), enthroning the Lord over every flood.

Join us at the Awake Catholic Conference on January 17, 2026! Dive deeper into this beloved identity. Awake promises renewal. Whether your first spark or deepening fire, come be open to what God has in store.