< <  

Sunday, January 13, 2013

  > >

Baptism of the Lord


Isaiah 40:1-5, 9-11
Titus 2:11-14; 3:4-7
Psalm 104:1-4, 24-25, 27-30
Luke 3:15-16, 21-22

View Readings
Similar Reflections

see-saw

"The skies opened and the Holy Spirit descended on Him." —Luke 3:21-22

The first action of Jesus after His baptism was: "He saw" (Mk 1:10). When Jesus was baptized in the Jordan River by John, "immediately on coming up out of the water He saw" the sky split and the Spirit descend on Him (Mk 1:10). Before Cornelius and his household received the Holy Spirit, Peter began preaching to them in "these words; 'I begin to see' " (Acts 10:34). It is prophesied that the Messiah upon Whom God's Spirit rests will "open the eyes of the blind" (Is 42:7).

Today's celebration of the baptism of Jesus is associated with seeing God, others, and ourselves in a new way. After receiving the graces of this last day in the Christmas season, we will "no longer know Him by" our old standards (2 Cor 5:16). We will see God not as a force or a thing or even as only a person; we will see Him as our own Father Who loves us (and even likes us) (Mk 1:11). This will transform the way we see ourselves. We will truly believe we are chosen, beloved, royal, priestly, and holy (see 1 Pt 2:9). Then we will see other people as God sees them. We will love our neighbors as ourselves (Mt 22:39). We will "esteem the person of every" human being (1 Pt 2:17).

On this last day of the Christmas season, renew your baptismal promises, open your eyes, and receive the Spirit.

Prayer:  Father and Son, today send the Holy Spirit, the true Christmas Spirit.

Promise:  "When the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, He saved us; not because of any righteous deeds we had done, but because of His mercy." —Ti 3:4-5

Praise:  Praise Jesus, beloved Son of the Father! Lord Jesus, baptize us in the Holy Spirit, that we may sing Your praises everywhere.

Rescript:  †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, June 27, 2012

The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.