Baptism of Our Lord
Mark 1:4-11 (NRSV)
Jesus revealed as God's servant
John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. And people from the whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him, and were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. Now John was clothed with camel's hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. He proclaimed, "The one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the thong of his sandals. I have baptized you with water; but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit."
In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him. And a voice came from heaven, "You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased."
Reflection
Jesus came to be with us, sinners of all sorts, though he himself was without sin. Jesus came to be with us and to be baptized with us. And as Jesus came up from the waters, the heavens opened and a dove appears, the Holy Spirit, in bodily form. A dove above the waters of chaos and sin for most of us. Those baptismal waters in which we come out of death into life. A dove that flew above the waters of sin years ago in the great flood and returned to Noah proclaiming new life on this earth and a new creation with God. A dove that brings a promise of life and newness. Wow! Jesus baptism, what a site. The Holy Spirit, what a site. Each baptism we witness is a huge WOW! --- Thanks be to God!
Prayer
Lord, as I rise from sleep this day, remind me of the WOW! of baptism... yours and mine... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen
No comments:
Post a Comment