MARK 1:7-11
7 And this was his message: “After me comes the one more powerful than I, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. 8 I baptize you with[a] water, but he will baptize you with[b] the Holy Spirit.” 9 At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10 Just as Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. 11 And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”
REFLECTION
The feast of the Lord's Baptism celebrates Jesus' introduction, as it were, into the realm of humanity. John's baptism is for the remissions of sins, to prepare the hearts of people to receive God's salvation. Jesus, sinless as he is, does not have to be baptized by John but nonetheless summits himself. Paul refers to this when he speaks of Jesus as being made sin-although he knows no sin- so that we may become the righteousness of God. Thus, Jesus affirms his solidarity or oneness with humanity, a communion that also makes it possible for him to be it's Savior.
JESUS' willingness to take on humanity, even becoming sin, is met with load approval from the Father. At his baptism the voice of the Father is heard. You are my beloved Son; with you i am well pleased. How can the Father is heard: You are my beloved Son; with you i am well pleased. How can the Father not praise Jesus for humbly accepting the lot and the world of sinful humanity? How can the Father restrain his approval for his Son's act emptying himself and taking on the form of a slave? How can the Father not exalt his Son for giving his life by dying a criminal's death on a cross?
Entry into adulthood is not easy. Beginnings are "baptism" and they are almost always challenging. But one has to proceed and face life squarely on one's own. Hopefully, one's training and experiences at home equip one the "weapons" to face life's challenges.
If Jesus did not embrace our humanity totally and carry out the Father's mission in this hostile world of ours, and finally give his life for us, where would be healed? May Jesus' example give us courage to carry out own mission in life
Keep following for more inspirations!
Sincerely yours
@sorenkierkegaard
Wooah! This is indeed a great reflection, @sorenkierkegaard! Keep it up! ^_^
So sad I wasn't able to attend the mass yesterday during the baptism of Jesus. :'(
P.S. I hope I can buy the "365 Days with the Lord" book so I can read the daily scriptures...
***DEAR @marysent, we will pray to God somebody will give you 365 with the Lord. Thank you so much. I am always inspired by you.
For may gratitude you have received SBD by @sorenkierkegaard
kindly check!
Your friend
@sorenkierkegaard
I hope there are still stocks in St. Pauls or in the other stores selling that...
they are many they just waiting for you
Great article.
I AM GRATEFUL FOR YOU
Nice article sir.
Great
Thank you for this article.