Growing In Our Baptismal Identity

On this Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, we return to the Jordan River, where Jesus steps into the waters—not for Himself, but for us. As the heavens open and the Father declares, “You are my beloved Son,” the truth about baptism is revealed: that those who are baptised become adopted and beloved children of God. Baptism is not just a ceremony we once experienced or that happened to us when we were infants; it is an identity that shapes us and plants within us a capacity for intimacy with Jesus, life in the Spirit, and communion with others. Like a seed, this identity grows and calls to us.

Many parishioners are already noticing signs of this growth: restlessness, renewed curiosity, a hunger for prayer, or a sense that faith is becoming more personal. Often, they say, “I just want more”—which is a longing awakened by the Holy Spirit for relationship, community, and God’s Word.

As baptism flourishes within us, our inner life begins to change in gentle but unmistakable ways. Hearts that were once guarded begin to open to God, and prayer shifts from something we do to a place where we truly meet Jesus. We start to recognise His quiet guidance in the ordinary rhythms of daily life. A deeper hunger for Scripture emerges—not just to know about God, but to hear His voice and allow His Word to shape us. We find ourselves drawn to relationships that strengthen faith and to opportunities where we can walk with and accompany others on their journey. Living out of our baptismal identity gradually forms us into people of greater trust, forgiveness, and witness. And through it all, a growing desire for “more” begins to take root—the closer we draw to Jesus, the more we long to follow Him. These stirrings are signs of spiritual health, gentle invitations from the Holy Spirit calling us further into the life we were made for.

Because baptism is the foundation of Christian life, one of our parish’s most important roles is to provide spaces where this grace can grow. People in our parish are expressing a need for accompaniment right now—to be strengthened by community, Scripture, and shared faith. Opportunities that place God’s Word at the centre of our lives (e.g. prayerfully reading the daily Mass readings or doing a Bible study), that encourage daily prayer (we are aiming to offer post-Mass prayer ministry after all Masses), and that foster genuine Christian friendship (hospitality after all Masses) help nurture this baptismal growth.

As we delve into January, you’ll notice that we have commenced praying the Year of Yes prayer at the end of each Mass once again. We first prayed this in 2023, followed by the Year of Invitation prayer in 2024, and the Year of Engagement prayer last year. The power of our “yes” to God cannot be overstated and so let us grasp the opportunity to let the Holy Spirit work in us this year. As we celebrate the Baptism of the Lord, may we remember who we are: beloved children of the Father, called to live in Jesus, and sustained by the Spirit. If you feel the stirring for “more,” a deeper faith, or authentic community, trust that this longing is a gift. It is the Holy Spirit inviting us to let our baptismal identity flourish in a new way this year.

Today and every day, I say “yes” to you, O Lord. In the same way that Mary said “yes” to your invitation, I say “yes” to your Son’s presence in my life. May my “yes,” by the power of your Holy Spirit, allow you to use all the talents, skills and gifts you have given me for the purpose of building up your Body in our community. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

With peace and love, Fr Josh