The Gospel passage describes the events that take place at the moment of Jesus' baptism. Of significance is the presence and action of the Blessed Trinity - the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, who together manifest their divine unity. The feast is a timely reminder about the meaning of our own baptism when we were bestowed with the spiritual fruits of God's grace and redemption. At baptism, we received the Holy Spirit, became a child of God and a member of the Church, were cleansed from sin and were called to share in the mission of the Church. It reminds us as Catholics, that the moment we are baptised, we are on mission.

And what is our mission? The scripture readings today provide us with some insights. The prophet Isaiah, in describing the Suffering Servant, speaks of him as one who "brings true justice'' and has been called to "serve the cause of right". The servant was appointed to "open the eyes of the blind, to free captives from prison and those who live in darkness…". In addressing Cornelius and his family, Peter says, "that God does not have any favourites, but that anybody of any nationality who fears God and does what is right is acceptable by him." And the psalmist of the day cries out, "The Lord will bless his people with peace". By our baptism, we share in the mission of Christ to proclaim the Gospel and to reach out to all peoples so that in and through us, Christ is made known to the whole world.