January 6, 2017
By Margie Edic, CSJ
Albany NY
Scripture
1 Jn 5:5-13; Ps 147:12-15, 19-20;
Mk 1:7-11 or Lk 3:23-38
Reflection
…on coming out of the water, he saw the heavens
being torn open and the Spirit like a dove,
descending upon him. And a voice
came from the heaven, “You are my beloved Son;
with you I am well pleased.” Mk 1:10-11
God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.
Whoever possesses the Son has life. 1 Jn 5:11
Baptisms signify new beginnings. Today’s readings call us to reflect on baptism—
the baptism of Jesus and our own baptism. Through baptism we have come to share in the life of Jesus. The baptism of Jesus was a glorious day— Jesus was baptized by John, accepted his mission, and received the gift of the Spirit. The Father jubilantly exclaimed, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”
On the day of our baptism, we experienced a share in this glorious day for Jesus—we were baptized, we accepted our life’s mission (acknowledged and accepted for many of us by our godparents), and we received the gift of the Spirit. God proclaimed, “You are my beloved child, with you I am well pleased.”
After his baptism, Jesus began his ministry, working diligently—preaching and teaching —fulfilling his call. As he journeyed, he experienced many triumphal moments as well as many disappointments. God’s Spirit given at Jesus’ baptism was with him.
Since our baptism, our new beginning, we have journeyed through life—to today. We have come to know our call, our mission in life. We have experienced triumphs and sorrows. Always, God is with us. Through baptism we have come to share in God’s love and life.
Prayer
God, today you have blessed me with an opportunity to reflect
on Jesus’ baptism—to reflect on my own baptism. I have a
chance to journey back in time to that most important day—to
the day you chose me—a day of new beginning. May I realize
that the Spirit that was mine that day is with me today and every
day. I am grateful for your love and presence in my life.
Amen.
Personal Challenge
God, you are with me.
Courtesy of Ministry of the Arts
