The Baptism of Jesus

Today's Reflections

St. Basilisa
The Lord’s Baptism
(Feast) WHITE

Is 55:1-11
Is 12
1 Jn 5:1-9 [or Is 42:1-4, 6-7, Ps 29, Acts 10:34-38]
Mk 1:7-11

The Baptism of Jesus

⁷This is what [John the  Baptist] proclaimed: “One mightier than I is coming after me. I am not worthy to stoop and loosen the thongs of his sandals. ⁸I have baptized you with water; he will baptize you with the holy Spirit.”

⁹It happened in those days that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized in the Jordan by John. ¹⁰On coming up out of the water he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit, like a dove, descending upon him. ¹¹And a voice came from the heavens, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”

Reflection:

You are my beloved Son. The Gospel gives us a glimpse into the greatness of John the Baptist. He declares his unworthiness before the Messiah. He is content with his role to prepare the people, with his baptism of water, for the One who will baptize them with the Holy Spirit.

At Jesus’ baptism, John sees the Spirit descend upon Jesus. The Father acknowledges Jesus as his Son and affirms that he is well pleased with him. With the Father’s approval, Jesus can now begin his messianic mission of salvation.

Baptism washes sin. Though sinless, Jesus undergoes John’s baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins, in foreshadowing of his suffering and death for mankind’s salvation.

At baptism we become sons and daughters of God. We are also empowered and commissioned to do as Jesus did: to serve and to save, to share with others his word and his works of love and forgiveness.

Recall and renew your baptismal promises and commitment: Do you reject sin so as to live in the freedom of God’s children?

Do you reject the glamour of evil and refuse to be mastered by sin?

Do you reject Satan, father of sin and prince of darkness?