THE TRINITY IS PRESENT IN CHRIST'S BAPTISM

VATICAN CITY, APR 12, 2000 (VIS) - "The glory of the Trinity in the baptism of Christ" was the theme of John Paul II's catechesis during the general audience, celebrated this morning in St. Peter's Square in the presence of 30,000 pilgrims.

The baptism of Jesus in the River Jordan in which, said the Pope, the "great epiphany of the Trinity" is apparent, marks the beginning of Christ's public ministry.

"The figure of Christ appears in center stage, the Messiah who fulfills all righteousness. He is the one who brings the divine project of salvation to fruition, humbly allying himself with sinners. ... Over Him, the Father's voice rings out, proclaiming Him as "my beloved Son with whom I am well pleased." John Paul II recalled that "the Holy Spirit also appears in the scene, in the form of a 'dove' which 'descends and settles on' Christ."

The Holy Father emphasized that "the entire Trinity is present at the Jordan, revealing its mystery, authenticating and supporting Christ's mission and indicating that, with Him, the history of salvation enters its central and definitive phase. ... The Father entrusts the Son with the mission to bring 'righteousness' - in other words, divine salvation - to fruition in the Spirit."

"Following Christ's baptism," he concluded, "the Jordan also became the river of Christian baptism. ... Emerging from the regenerative waters of the baptismal font, Christians begin their path of life and witness."

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