The First Luminous Mystery of the Rosary, entitled "The Baptism of Jesus in the Jordan", marks the beginning of Jesus' public life and is of particular importance in Christian tradition. This event is recounted in the Gospels according to Matthew (3:13-17), Mark (1:9-11) and Luke (3:21-22), and reveals the divine nature of Jesus as well as his saving mission.
Jesus, aged about thirty, went from Nazareth to the Jordan to be baptised by John the Baptist. John, known for his call to repentance and baptism for the forgiveness of sins, was preaching in the desert, preparing the way for the Lord. When he saw Jesus coming to him, John was surprised and hesitant, saying, "I'm the one who needs to be baptized by you, and you're the one coming to me?" But Jesus replied, "Let it be for now, for it is fitting that we should fulfil all righteousness in this way."
By accepting John's baptism, Jesus shows solidarity with sinful humanity, even though he is sinless. This gesture of humility and obedience shows his willingness to fully follow the divine plan for the salvation of humanity. As soon as Jesus came up out of the water, the heavens opened and he saw the Spirit of God descend like a dove and come upon him. And a voice from heaven declared, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased."
This event is of great theological significance. The manifestation of the Trinity is fully revealed: the Son is baptised, the Holy Spirit descends in the form of a dove, and the Father's voice is heard. It is a proclamation of Jesus' divine identity and his redemptive mission. Baptism in the Jordan is also a precursor of the Christian sacrament of baptism, through which believers are cleansed of sin and receive the Holy Spirit.
The Baptism of Jesus in the Jordan invites us to meditate on several essential aspects of the Christian faith. Firstly, it highlights the importance of humility and obedience to God's will. Jesus, though the Son of God, humbles himself by being baptised by John, an act that shows his commitment to the divine plan.
Next, this mystery reminds us of the presence and action of the Trinity in our lives. Christian baptism is an immersion in Trinitarian life, where we are called to live in communion with the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. By meditating on this mystery, believers are encouraged to renew their own baptismal commitment, to live according to the teachings of Jesus and to allow themselves to be guided by the Holy Spirit.
Finally, this event is a call to conversion and purification. As John the Baptist preached repentance, the faithful are invited to examine their lives, repent of their sins and seek transformation by God's grace.
By contemplating this luminous mystery, Christians are encouraged to deepen their understanding of Jesus' identity and mission, renew their commitment to follow in his footsteps and live out their baptismal vocation to the full in love and service to God and others.
