The Ripple effect of our baptismal promises.

In todays Gospel from Matthew, we witness a profound moment of humility. Jesus, the sinless Son of God, stands in the waters of the Jordan. John the Baptist is hesitant—rightfully so—asking, “I need to be baptised by you, and do you come to me?”

But Jesus insists: “Let it be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfil all righteousness.”

This wasn't just a ceremony; it was a public declaration.

By entering the water, Jesus wasn't washing away sin; he was entering fully into the human condition.

He was identifying with us in our brokenness so that he could lead us into wholeness.

When we are baptised, we aren't just receiving a ritual cleaning. We are making a public commitment to follow the path of "righteousness"—which simply means "right relationship" with God and others. But what does it actually look like to "fulfil all righteousness" in the grit of everyday life?

1. In Our Relationships:

The Power of Presence

In Matthew’s account, the heavens open and a voice declares: “This is my beloved Son.”

Baptism reminds us that our primary identity is "Beloved."

When we live out our baptismal promises in our friendships and marriages, we stop looking to others to provide the validation only God can give.

Fulfilling our promises in relationships means:

Seeing others as God sees them:

If Jesus entered the water to stand with "fallen humanity," we must stand with those in our lives when they are at their lowest.

Choosing humility over ego: Just as Jesus submitted to John’s baptism, we "fulfil righteousness" when we are willing to be the first to apologize or the first to serve, prioritizing the bond over being "right."

2. In Parenting:

Modeling the Beloved

Parenting is perhaps the most direct place where we live out the "public declaration" of our faith.

We are tasked with echoing the Father’s voice to our children.

To fulfill baptismal promises as a parent is to:

Affirm identity before achievement:

Long before Jesus had performed a single miracle, the Father said, "I am well pleased."

We fulfill our calling when we ensure our children know they are loved for who they are, not just for their school reports or behavior.

Walk the path alongside them: Jesus didn't stand on the bank and give instructions; he got into the water.

Fulfilling our promise means being a "community of repentance" within the home—admitting our own mistakes to our children and showing them what it looks like to follow Christ in the messy reality of growing up.

3. In the Workplace:

Righteousness in the Routine

For many of us, the workplace feels like the furthest thing from the Jordan River. Yet we are reminded that Jesus’ baptism was the moment his "work was about to begin." Our daily work is the primary stage where our baptismal commitment is tested.

Fulfilling righteousness at work looks like:

Integrity as Worship: Doing "all that righteousness demands" means being the person who doesn’t cut corners, even when no one is looking.

It means treating the "least of these" in the office hierarchy with the same dignity as the boss.

Redeeming the Culture: Just as Jesus entered a fallen nature to redeem it, we are called to enter stressful, competitive, or toxic environments and bring a different spirit—the "Spirit of God descending like a dove."

We become agents of peace, fairness, and excellence.

The Heavens are Still Open

Our baptism—whether we remember it or not—was the moment the heavens opened over our lives. It was the moment we joined the "community of righteousness."

This week, as you navigate a difficult conversation, a restless child, or a demanding boss, remember that you are not acting on your own.

You carry the Spirit that rested on Jesus.

To "fulfil all righteousness" isn't about being perfect; i

t’s about being present, humble, and anchored in the knowledge that you are a beloved child of God.

How can you "get in the water" with someone in your life today?