Important beginnings usually are marked by a ritual that helps those either attending or undergoing the ritual to understand the importance of the event. The work of Jesus begins formally with his Baptism, an event that that identifies his ministry as fulfilling the prophetic words of John the Baptist. Whereas John pointed to the need of salvation, it was the work of Christ that effected salvation. The Baptism of the Lord identifies a ministry of Jesus which continues in the church he founded, the purpose of which is to bring souls to God the Father through Christ in union with the Holy Spirit. When we celebrate the Baptism of the Lord, we need to remember that we are called, by our baptism, to imitate the work of Christ by bringing people to God. That task demands that we have Christ in our own hearts so that we have something to offer.