During my time in the seminary a few years ago, I was assigned to a parish that was, shall we say, on the wrong side of the tracks. I found the parish completely surrounded by big, high barbed wire fences and an alarm system that could wake the dead. Gunfire and sirens were the order of the day Æ and night as we tried to sleep. I felt right at home. Around my second week there, I was sitting on a bench in front of the parish when a young man approached the fence and called to me. He was coughing loudly and trying to tell me something. Naturally, I was concerned. I went over, opened the fence and led him to the house where I got him a glass of water. He finished the drink and stopped coughing. I asked, "Are you OK? What were you trying to say?" At that point, he pulled a gun out of his pocket and said, "Give me your money."

Dear Father Joe:

Why did Jesus get baptized? He didn't have original sin, did he?

No, Jesus didn't have original sin. In fact, He didn't need to be baptized, technically. So, why did He?

Let's look at the Scripture(s) where it happened and see why. The story of Jesus' baptism can be found in the following Gospels: Mark 1:9-11; Matthew 3:13-17; Luke 3:21-22; and, John 3:29-34.

Before we jump into the Scripture itself, let's tackle a modern problem. I know there are some who will tell you that these stories are made up to teach us a lesson. I don't buy that at all. I believe what the Catechism states is true Æ the Gospel stories are accurate accounts of events in the life of Jesus as viewed by His disciples and handed on to us. This is a very important point to keep in mind while contemplating the baptism of Jesus.

OK, back to the four Gospels and the accounts of Jesus' baptism by John. What do all of these stories have in common? First, the descent of the Holy Spirit upon Jesus. The Holy Spirit in the form of a dove was a witness to the people who were watching. It wasn't because Jesus needed the Holy Spirit Æ it was a message to those who were watching that Jesus carried within Himself the power and blessings of God. The dove was a sign of peace and salvation (the story of Noah, remember?) and its appearance would have been a great sign to the people of war-torn Israel.

Second, and my favorite part, the voice from Heaven. God's voice stated: "This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased." Wow! What power in that statement!

My good friend, Paul Dull, always points out to me, "Father, God could have taken that moment to explain things theologically. I know I would have. But God didn't. He paused and said what any good dad says: "That's my boy! I love Him!" Can you imagine that? I had some experience of that this year on the sidelines at Lansing Catholic Central football games (go Cougars!). Beaming dads and moms would nudge me and say, "Did you see my son out there?"

Can you see God that way? Close your eyes, turn off the noise around you and hear the voice of God echoing from the pages of the Gospel, pointing you out to the world and saying, "This is my beloved son!" or "This is my beloved daughter!" We must hear that voice because, like Jesus, we have been baptized. At our baptism, we were joined with Jesus in a bond that cannot be broken. Remember Æ God doesn't change His mind.

The priest who baptized my children left the priesthood under some very bad circumstances. Ever since then, I have wondered if I should get the kids re-baptized. What do you think?

This answer may surprise you but, according to the Catholic Church, there is no such thing as "re-baptism!"It's like the Detroit Lions and a winning record _ it can't happen. Let's take a look at why.

A long time ago there was a heresy called Donatism (pronounced just like it looks) where it was said the power of a sacrament depended on the sanctity of the priest who administered it. St. Augustine said that was not possible because it would make the sinfulness of a priest stronger than the power of God. And that just can't be!

As priests, we are vessels of God's power. Some days we are better vessels than others, but our sinfulness does not have the power to overcome God. Through the authority and power of Jesus, the Church appointed us to administer the sacraments.

I can easily and honestly say I have had some bad days and said or did things that hurt people. When I have a day like that, I hope others will show me the mercy that Jesus has shown all of us and forgive me and allow me to be what I am: a fallen human desperately in need of God's grace and help. To me, this makes a priest a better leader or spiritual helper. I know how badly I need God and I am able to share that need with others.

Enjoy another day in God's presence!

Originally Published: February 2002