Humble and human

For Catholics, Christmas isn't just a one day thing. It's actually considered a "liturgical season" — a period lasting anywhere from several weeks to several months that focuses on a specific part of Jesus' life.

Today we celebrated the last milestone of the Christmas season, the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord. Take a look:

Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him. John tried to prevent him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and yet you are coming to me?” (Matthew 3:13-14)

Traditionally, baptism is both a literal and symbolic washing away of one's sins. In Jesus' time, water was a symbol of death and destruction — to enter the water in baptism is to die to the past and our old ways. When we choose to put our trust in God and come up sputtering from the water, we are brand new.

It shouldn't be surprising that John was so shocked to find Jesus at the river that day. Understand, John spent the entirety of his adult life preaching and preparing Israel for Him!  John's command for people to repent and be baptized certainly wouldn't apply to Jesus, would it?

He was perfect. He didn't need saving. And yet He asked for a sinful, ordinary man to baptize Him anyway.

Why?

It's simple: He wanted to share in every part of our human journey. He wanted to go through everything we do, even if He didn't have to.

Our family life, our growth, our prayer and discipline, our joy and suffering ... Jesus entered all of it. And He's still a part of all of it today.

Jesus' baptism is first and foremost an act of humility. It's a reminder for us to step out of our comfort zone to share our lives with those who need us most.

Last weekend I made a day trip into New York City to see one of my favorite singers, Audrey Assad, play a show. One of her songs, "Humble," is perfect for today.