January 11th Reflection by Bill Lynch

Luke 3:15-17, 21-22

 As the people were filled with expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Messiah, John answered all of them by saying, ‘I baptize you with water; but one who is more powerful than I is coming; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing-fork is in his hand, to clear his threshing-floor and to gather the wheat into his granary; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.’

The Baptism of Jesus

 Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heaven was opened, and the Holy Spirit descended upon him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, ‘You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.’

Reflection
So there we were that day. I was the perfect covering for Jesus. He had been wearing me for a few days now and we wandered together to see this man named John. I didn't know what was about to take place. John was speaking to the people about Jesus and Jesus walked right into the water with John to be baptized. I was wet from the waist down and John took hold of Jesus and put him in the water. All of him and me too. As Jesus and I came up out of the water, I clung to him for my life.

This was a big deal. Jesus had been baptized, and so had I. But as we came out of the water, I clinging to Jesus, he began to pray. Then the most amazing thing happened. A dove descended from above. Not just an ordinary dove. This dove was the Holy Spirit of God. And then a voice saying that Jesus was God's Son.

I just clung to Jesus that day. Even after Jesus came out of the water. I clung to him for dear life. Only to be separated years later at the end of Jesus' ministry did I lose my grip on Jesus. At that was to fulfill prophecy. All I can say to you and anyone else is to cling to Jesus. He is your salvation.

Prayer
Lord, in baptism may we cling to you for dear life... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen