The baptism of the Lord has special significance. Firstly, Jesus, like so many others come to the river Jordan to receive baptism from John the Baptist, the last of the prophets. Jesus' action shows the divine approval of the human tradition. Secondly, it manifests Jesus' humility for, being the Son of God, he was sinless and had no need of a baptism of repentance; yet he humbled himself and underwent John's baptism.

Thirdly, this event shows us Jesus' solidarity with sinners. He identified himself with human beings so much that he stood in the line of sinners. This shows us the unmatchable and incomprehensible divine love being humbled.

The words that Jesus heard from heaven during his baptism manifested to him in his human nature his true identity as Son of God. This "Abba experience" supported him in his incarnate human life till his death on the cross. We all are baptized in the name of the Trinity. By baptism we are re-born as children of God. No one can rob us of this dignity which God has given us. This confirmation of our human dignity is also an invitation to live it out.