Reflection for Monday January 8, Feast of the Baptism of the Lord: Mark 1:7-11

Gospel: Mark 1:7-11

This is what John the Baptist proclaimed: "One mightier than I is coming after me. I am not worthy to stoop and loosen the thongs of his sandals. I have baptized you with water; he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit."  

It happened in those days that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized in the Jordan by John. On coming up 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 heavens, "You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased."

 + + + + + + +

Reflection:

Do you still remember the date of your baptism and the priest that administered your baptism? Perhaps you don’t remember anymore for the simple reason that it was a long long time ago. But should we strive to remember the date of our baptism? we should because it is through our baptism that we became members of the Catholic/Universal church. 

 Our Baptism is not only a rite or a Sacrament it is also a responsibility that we need to fulfill and what is the responsibility? The responsibility is to help Jesus spread the faith. Therefore, through baptism we become one with the mission of the church. 

In the gospel, Jesus was baptized by John in the Jordan river it was not a mere ceremonial baptism. It was a baptism that signaled the beginning of the mission of Jesus. Thus, after baptism Jesus commenced His mission of salvation. 

We have to be gently reminded that we always share in the mission of Jesus by virtue of our baptism. Hence, we have to ask ourselves: Have I already shared the gospel of Christ and am I living right now the teachings of the gospel? – Marino J. Dasmarinas