This past Sunday we celebrated the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord. Jesus freely chose to be baptized, though sinless, as a public attestation of his yes to his Father's invitation to the role of Messiah. It was the inauguration of his public embracing of the will of the Father. Jesus came in silence as a  child born of a Virgin by the power of the Holy Spirit. He was acknowledged by poor shepherds and Simeon and Anna, humble prophets, all of whom represented the Chosen People. He was sought after and found by Wise Men from the East, who represented the Gentile nations. Yet, for thirty years his life was hidden from public awareness, as he grew in wisdom, grace and knowledge before God and man. How does his baptism affect us today? His yes to do the will of the Father is a model for our yes to do the will of God today and every day.