John (the) Baptist appeared in the desert proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. People of the whole Judean countryside and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem were going out to him and were being baptized by him in the Jordan River as they acknowledged their sins…John 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.” MARK 1:1-11
THIS IS MY BELOVED SON
WITH WHOM I AM WELL PLEASED
After Jesus was baptized, he came up from the water and behold, the heavens were opened…the Spirit of God descended like a dove… And a voice came from the heavens, saying, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” JOHN 1:26-32
COMMENTARY
Jesus did not have Original Sin or any other sin. Jesus’ insisted on Baptism by John as an example to others who were in need of reconciliation and new beginnings because of their fallen state displayed in weakened wills, clouded minds, and unruly appetites. Conversion was the message, repent and believe in the Gospel.
When Jesus was immersed in the waters of John’s baptism He took on all the sins of the world, knowing one day, He would pay the price of our redemption as Savior of the world. Jesus emerged from the waters of Baptism, affirmed by the Father, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” as we are at our Baptisms.
Baptism is not only, a cleansing of our sins, and infusion of sanctifying grace making us adopted sons and daughters of Our Father and heirs to heaven, it is an initiation that sets us on our journey back to our heavenly home. All Christians are commissioned through their baptism to conform to Christ, reject Satan and all his works and empty promises.
“The baptized have become “living stones” to be “built into a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood.” By Baptism they share in the priesthood of Christ…Baptism gives a share in the common priesthood of all believers.” CCC #1268
After the Baptismal waters, comes the anointing with sacred chrism oil, wherein the priest or deacon prays these words: “As Christ was anointed Priest, Prophet, and King, so may you live always as a member of his body, sharing everlasting life.”
As the common priesthood of the laity we make sacrifices, as prophet we bear witness in words and actions to Jesus being the Way the Truth and the Life. And as king we serve others especially those most in need.
REFLECTIONS:
John the Baptist proclaims a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins….John’s baptism does not forgive sins but prepares the hearts of people to acknowledge their guilt and readies them for God’s mercy that the Savior promises…Jesus is that Savior that John the Baptist points to….Behold the Lamb of God…
Jesus is that sacrificial lamb who will sacrifice himself for us that our sins may be forgiven…in the water of the Jordan, Jesus takes on the sins of the world… sin has no more dominion over mankind…Blessed be God!
The Spirit of God descended like a dove in blessing and affirmation…The Father affirms the Son’s mission…”This is my beloved Son with whom I am well pleased…Here is your Savior!
Just as in the days of the early Christians – to be Christian is to be counter cultural. Today a culture of death runs rampant, hate, violence, abortion, euthanasia, war, etc. As Christians, we promote the culture of life.
To accept the Lord’s call to discipleship, means to live “in this world but not of it.” … spreading light in the dark spots by breathing in those nooks and crannies the spirit of love and mercy of Jesus Christ!
BEHOLD THE LAMB OF GOD
WHO TAKES AWAY THE SINS OF THE WORLD JOHN 1:29
HE MUST INCREASE, I MUST DECREASE JOHN 3:30