MY daily reflection and prayer:
Sunday, January 10, 2016
The Feast of the Baptism of Jesus Christ
Dear my friends,
Here is the Gospel for us today according to St.Luke 3:15-16, 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. 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.”
This is the Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ.
***
TODAY is the feast of the baptism of Jesus. Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist. Although St. John the Baptist preached a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins, Jesus, the Sinless One, submit himself to John’s baptism. What does it mean?
First of all, by accepting the baptism of John, Jesus submitted himself entirely to his Father’s will. In this humble submission we see a foreshadowing of the baptism of his bloody death upon the cross.
Secondly, Jesus’ baptism is the acceptance and the beginning of his mission as God’s suffering Servant. He allowed himself to be numbered among sinners.
There is important message for us about Jesus’ baptism. When Jesus was 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.” What does it mean?
First, the Holy Spirit descended upon him for in the future Jesus will baptize with the Holy Spirit. He will give us the fire of his Spirit that we may radiate the joy and truth of the Gospel to a world.
Second, Jesus’ baptism is the beginning of a new creation in the Holy Spirit for us. Together with the Father, Jesus Christ is the source of the Spirit for us all who believe in him. The Holy Spirit has power to change and transform our lives that we may be lights pointing others to Christ. We are called to give testimony to the light and truth of Jesus Christ as well.
In the Perpetual Adoration of the Eucharist, we worship Jesus Christ the Beloved Son of the Father. So let’s ask him to fill us with his Holy Spirit that we are able to witness his love.
Let’s pray: Lord Jesus Christ, you are ever ready to renew our livesbthrough your Holy Spirit. Anoint us for mission as your ambassadors. Fill us with your Holy Spirit that we may radiate the joy of the Gospel to those around us now and forever. Amen.
Kredit foto: Ilustrasi (Ist)
