In the early weeks of the new Church year, our readings reflect on Jesus’ identity, which is entwined with His mission. Remember that Mary was to “name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins” (Matt 1:21). The Epiphany of the Lord (last week), the Baptism of the Lord (this week), and the miracle at Cana (next week) each reveal Jesus’ identity and mission in a different way.
At the Epiphany, the Magi brought Jesus gifts of gold, symbolizing His kingship and frankincense, a sweet-smelling incense symbolizing His priesthood. These show his identity: He is king and priest. He also receives myrrh, an ointment used for burials. This shows His mission: to die for our sins. At the Baptism of the Lord, God Himself revealed another aspect of Jesus’ identity, saying: “You are my beloved son; with you I am well pleased” (Lk 3: 22). Like Jesus, our true identity was revealed at our baptisms: we were born into the Church and became “children of God” (Jn 1:12; Gal 3:26-27). Jesus’ baptism also reveals His mission, for baptism signifies the death of sin. Jesus’ mission to die on the Cross in reparation for our sin began at His baptism. At the miracle at Cana, we learn even more about Jesus’ identity and mission. By changing the water into wine, He revealed His divinity: “Jesus did this as the beginning of his signs at Cana in Galilee and so revealed his glory” (Jn 2:11). By changing water into wine, Jesus revealed more about His mission, as well. At the Last Supper, Jesus changed the Passover wine into His Precious Blood (Matt 26:27-29). He not only died for our sins, but in His love, Jesus transforms His very self into spiritual nourishment for us.
Jesus, help us to understand who you are and why you came to us so that we may know, love, and follow You more each day.