“Allow it now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.”

The Feast of the Baptism of the Lord marks a profound turning point in the life of Jesus and in the unfolding of God’s saving plan. At the Jordan River, the hidden life of Nazareth gives way to public mission, and the mystery of who Jesus is shines forth with striking clarity. Yet the path God chooses is surprising: the sinless One steps into the waters of repentance, standing shoulder to shoulder with sinners. When John protests, Jesus responds with words that reveal the heart of his mission: “Allow it now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Righteousness, in the biblical sense, is not mere rule-keeping; it is right relationship—complete fidelity to the will of God. Jesus enters the waters not because he needs cleansing, but because he chooses solidarity. He identifies fully with humanity in its brokenness, its longing, and its need for redemption. In doing so, he sanctifies the waters themselves, transforming them into a source of life, healing, and new beginning for all who will follow him. Isaiah’s prophecy helps us understand what kind of Messiah this is. He is the Servant in whom God delights, upon whom the Spirit rests. He does not shout or crush, he does not break the bruised reed or quench the smoldering wick. Instead, he brings justice gently, patiently, and faithfully. At the Jordan, this Servant is revealed—not in power or spectacle, but in humility and obedience. His baptism is already a glimpse of the cross: a willing descent into the depths of human suffering so that humanity might be lifted up. The psalmist proclaims, “The voice of the Lord is over the waters.” At creation, God’s Spirit hovered over the waters and brought forth life. Now, at the Jordan, the same Spirit descends upon Jesus like a dove, and the Father’s voice resounds: “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” Heaven is opened, and the Trinity is revealed. The baptism of Jesus is not only about what he does; it is about who he is—the beloved Son, anointed with the Spirit, sent to bring peace. In the Acts of the Apostles, Peter summarizes Jesus’ mission in simple yet powerful words: “God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power. He went about doing good and healing all those oppressed.” The baptism is the beginning of this outward movement of love. From the Jordan, Jesus goes forth to serve, to heal, to liberate, because God was with him. For us, this feast is also deeply personal. Jesus’ baptism sheds light on our own. Through water and the Spirit, we too are named beloved sons and daughters. We are anointed and sent—not to dominate or impress, but to live in humble obedience to God’s will, to bring light where there is darkness, and healing where there is pain. To “fulfill all righteousness” today means to allow God’s will to take precedence over our comfort, pride, or fear. As we celebrate the Baptism of the Lord, we are invited to step once more into the waters with Christ—to renew our trust, our identity, and our mission. May we hear again the Father’s voice spoken over us in baptism, and, strengthened by the Spirit, go forth to “do good,” bearing peace to a world that waits for the gentle justice of God.