Baptism of the Lord

For the Church Fathers the feasts of Epiphany, Baptism of the Lord and the wedding feast of Cana are all linked. Those of us who pray the Office of Readings would have noticed that in the last few days. Why is it that such a connection should be made? I think that all of these feast involve a revelation of who Jesus is and the nature of his mission. At the Epiphany he is revealed to the Gentiles, represented by the Magi, while at the wedding feast of Cana we see the first of the "signs" which reveals Jesus divinity and his mission from the Father. At the Baptism we hear: "This is my son the beloved, with whom I am well pleased." (Mtt 3: 17) Jesus' Messiahship and relationship to God are thereby revealed to all who were present at the Baptism. Jesus, anointed with the oil of gladness, is shown forth as the presence of God and the one who will bring liberation to a new people, born of water and the Spirit. For us the need to discern our own relationship with God and part in the mission of Christ is essential if we are to accomplish the task that each of us is given in our own baptism.