VATICAN CITY, JAN 11, 2004 (VIS) - Appearing at his study window at noon for the Angelus prayer, Pope John Paul spoke to the faithful in St. Peter's Square of today's celebration of the Baptism of the Lord, saying that "the Gospels tell us that Jesus went to John the Baptist in the Jordan River, wishing to receive from him the baptism of Penance."
"This is the first public manifestation of the messianic identity of Jesus after the adoration by the Magi." said the Pope. "For this reason the liturgy links the Baptism to the Epiphany, with a chronological leap of about 30 years: the child Whom the Magi adored as the messianic king, we see today consecrated by the Father in the Holy Spirit."
He noted that "in the Baptism in the Jordan, we can already clearly see the messianic 'style' of Jesus: He comes as 'the Lamb of God' to take upon Himself and to take away the sin of the world. Thus the Baptist indicates Him to the disciples. We too, who celebrated the great event of the Incarnation in Christmas, are invited to keep our eyes on Jesus, the human face of God and the divine face of man."
The Holy Father concluding by noting that "Mary is an insuperable teacher of contemplation. ... The Baptism of Christ is the first mystery of light for Mary and for the entire Church. May it illuminate the path of every Christian."
ANG/BAPTISM JESUS/... VIS 20040112 (250)
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