Luke 3:15-17, 21-22 -
Luke 3:15-17, 21-22
15 As the people were filled with expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Messiah, 16 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. 17 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.”
21 Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heaven was opened, 22 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.”
The Gospel continues to teach us about Jesus' Baptism. What could we learn from today's message?
Jesus wanted to be like us but not like us, to share our human nature but without sin. He identifies Himself with sinners, inviting them to identify with Him. He doesn't need to be baptized, but He made the choice to do so. Through His prayer, the heavens are opened, and the Holy Trinity is revealed to us.
Jesus shows His empathy with sinners. He does not want them to wallow in the mud and enjoy it, but rather to stand in solidarity with them to save them from the sin they are in.
Meditating on Jesus' baptism leads us to think about our own.
How does it renew our daily life?
Are we aware of our belonging to Christ as members of His Body?
Are we aware that we are then temples of the Holy Spirit?
Where do I choose to witness for the Holy Spirit inspiring and guiding me, through my profession, my church activities and/or my family life?
Where can I be an inspiring? We could help the needy, share knowledge/experience, care for the sick, be faithful to commitments, or many other fields of witness.
Where can I reflect goodwill and the Light of Christ to overcome evil with good and sin with grace?
The Holy Spirit dwells in us to make us positive energy elements and never to be inert. He fills us with water, fire and wind - water to create life, fire to create/recreate, and wind to spread the purifying fire and inflame God's loving presence everywhere.
Baptism is the key to our Christian lives. It brings hope, peace and joy. We receive these things for free and are asked to give them away for free. Everyone has gifts bestowed upon them by the Holy Spirit, to invest them for God's glory. We pray that the Lord will help us live our baptism today and always.