This week’s Gospel story is about beginnings … so it seems appropriate to be reading it at the beginning of a new year. The baptism of Jesus marks the beginning point in Jesus’ ministry, while our baptism marks a new beginning in our relationship with God. For Jesus – and for ourselves – baptism is an important signpost in our journey of faith.

Jesus’ baptism has three significant elements – a voice affirms him as the beloved Son, God’s Spirit equips and empowers him for ministry and the same Spirit leads him directly into ministry in his context. It is similar for us. Baptism reminds us that we too are God’s beloved children, are equipped and empowered for ministry by God’s Spirit who also leads us into ministry in the world. May we remember our baptism and be thankful.