Father Stevenson Olowolagba Emphasises Radical Transformation Through Baptism in Sunday Homily

The Catholic faithful across parishes reflected deeply on the mystery of the Baptism of the Lord on Sunday, 11 January 2026, as Rev. Fr Stevenson Olowolagba delivered a spiritually rich homily centred on baptism as an ontological and radical transformation of the human person.

In his reflection, which draws from the official liturgical readings of the day — Isaiah 42:1–4, 6–7; Acts 10:34–38; and Matthew 3:13–17 — the priest reminded Christians that baptism is not merely a ritual but a profound covenantal encounter that permanently changes the believer’s identity before God.

Speaking to the congregation, Rev. Fr Olowolagba explained that God has always communicated with humanity through covenants at different stages of salvation history. He referenced how God related with Noah through the rainbow, with Abraham through circumcision, with Moses through the Passover, and now, in the fullness of time, through baptism in Christ, as revealed in John 3:3–8.

“In the past ages, God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets and signs,” he said. “But in our time, He speaks to us fully through His Son, Jesus Christ.”

According to the priest, Christ’s baptism in River Jordan was not for repentance but for the fulfilment of the law and the sanctification of all waters, paving the way for humanity’s rebirth and restoration to its original dignity. He stressed that Jesus, as the law-giver, submitted Himself humbly to baptism to prepare humanity to become co-heirs in the Kingdom of God.

Rev. Fr Olowolagba further noted that the Baptism of the Lord marks the official end of the Christmas season and the beginning of Christ’s redemptive mission in the world.

Drawing attention to the Gospel narrative, he highlighted the Trinitarian revelation at Jesus’ baptism — the Son emerging from the water, the Holy Spirit descending like a dove, and the voice of the Father declaring: “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17).

“This moment reveals that we are always in the mind of God,” he explained, adding that baptism uproots original sin, grants forgiveness of sins (especially in adults), and empowers the believer to reject sin and grow continually in holiness.

The priest described baptism as the foundation of Christian life, stressing that through it, a person becomes a new creature, spiritually renewed and strengthened to persevere in goodness.

“An ontological and radical transformation has taken place,” he said. “The baptised person grows daily in the Spirit and never tires of doing good.”

As he concluded the homily, Rev. Fr Olowolagba prayed for the faithful to experience fresh renewal of body and spirit as they begin a new week, urging them to live out the grace of their baptism with renewed commitment.

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By Joseph Iyaji
Akahi News