Gospel: Luke 3:15-16, 21-22
The people were filled with
expectation, and all were asking in their hearts whether John might be the Christ.
John answered them all, saying, “I am baptizing you with water, but one
mightier than I is coming. I am not worthy to loosen the thongs of his sandals.
He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.”
After all the people had been
baptized and Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, 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 beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”
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Reflection:
A man wanted to become a
member of the Universal/Catholic church so he inquired on how he would go about
his own membership. He was told that he needs to be baptized first, he was
further told that he needs to walk away from his life of sinfulness. And he
should be ready to help Jesus carry his cross.
Before the baptismal scene in
the gospel, John first called for repentance of sins as a means of preparing
the way for Jesus. Those who responded to his call of repentance went to the
river Jordan to be baptized by him and they soon after became John’s followers.
After they were all baptized
Jesus too was baptized by John and during the process of Jesus baptism the Holy
Spirit in the form of a dove descended upon Him. Why did Jesus submit Himself
to the baptism of John when he could have easily avoided it? He’s the Son of
God anyway! Jesus went through baptism because it was the will of God. By His
baptism Jesus also showed that He was in solidarity with the people who also
went through the same baptism courtesy of John.
Jesus through His baptism was
actually reaching out to us, he wanted to tell us that though he could easily
avoided being baptized. He still went through it as a way of immersing Himself
with us and to make Himself accessible for us. After Jesus baptism He also
commenced with His ministry which called for Him to go through sufferings,
persecutions and eventual harrowing death on the cross.
By Jesus’ baptism we too are
reminded about our own baptism. Baptism which call upon us to walk away from
all forms of sinfulness. Baptism which reminds us to courageously spread and
share our faith. Baptism which reminds us that like Jesus we should also be
ready to go through the process of sufferings and sacrifices if need be. –
Marino J. Dasmarinas
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