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 king is to embark on a mission to
increase the influence and territory of his kingdom. Before embarking on his
mission he first saw it fit to seek the guidance and blessing of his father. So,
the king went to his father's palace and asked for his father's anointing. And the king was subsequently anointed by his father.
Before actually doing His ministry, Jesus was first baptized by John in
the river Jordan. Through John Jesus was blessed by God and thru a Dove the
Holy Spirit descended upon Him.
By His baptism Jesus first seek God’s blessing before starting His
ministry of Salvation. By His baptism Jesus also showed that He was in
solidarity with the people who were seeking to be baptized by John. being the
anointed of God He need not go through the baptismal process but He chose to be
baptized to show that everyone needs God’s anointing and blessings.
As Jesus went thru His three years public ministry this baptismal grace
was with Him and constantly strengthening Him. Do you allow yourself as well to
be strengthened by this same Baptismal grace? Do you still remember the date
when you were baptized?
We are now being invited by the gospel to remember this very important
if not the most important episode in our life. We must also be faithful to our
own baptismal mission which is to become partners with Jesus in spreading the
good news of His salvation.
Are we not lacking in this aspect of living our own baptismal mission?
– Marino J. Dasmarinas
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