Many people act as if God is stingy with his gifts and that we have to earn and pay for whatever we receive. Isaiah gives us a different message - God is incredibly generous. He invites all to eat and drink - symbols of God's blessings - for free. Love does not have to be earned. It should be easier for people to approach God, not more difficult.

God meets each one of us where we are on our journey and then walks with us. Jesus overcame the world through love, and the followers of John were eagerly following in his footsteps. Love is the greatest of all God's commandments and is always expressed in deeds.

Jesus was baptised, just like all of us, for he entered into our human experience totally. It was a moment of revelation for him - as the Spirit descended on him, the voice from heaven confirmed his Divine Sonship and his special mission. He was empowered for the ministry of God.

Most of us cannot remember our baptism, but we all renew our baptismal vows each year. Let us make it a genuine and sincere inner commitment, rather than a mere ritual. Our baptism means more than going to heaven - it is anointing for service.