This Sunday's Gospel gives us an important glimpse into the life of Jesus as well as our own. The selection from Luke is the familiar scene at the Baptism of Jesus. As I read through this account again, it was clear that Luke emphasized the Holy Spirit and the blessing from the Father. Jesus was indeed divine. I think that the connection to Jesus's humanity was also quite evident, however, and, therefore, also provides some insight into how we might live our lives so we might be more like Him.
I have always wondered why
Jesus "needed" to be baptized in the first place. It wasn't for Him;
it was for us. Jesus's Baptism was another way that God used to
reveal Himself to us. Jesus, even though He was the Son of the
Father, was like us in all ways except sin. His example is not only
noteworthy but important. He sought to participate in the public act
of this baptism as part of the community. It was a preparation for
the ministry He was about to undertake in the name of the Father.
Afterwards Jesus prayed. It was then that the Holy Spirit descended
upon Jesus and the voice from heaven was heard calling Jesus "My
beloved Son". In my opinion, there are lessons to be learned from
this story about Jesus concerning community, ministry, and the place
of the Holy Spirit in our lives, too.
Each of the other supporting readings give us some ideas as well.
The first choice for the first reading from the Book of Isaiah tells how the gentle one will bring forth justice to the nations. We are called to the victory of justice because we have been grasped by the hand of the Lord, formed, and set forth as a covenant and light for the nations. Our task is before us: "to open the eyes of the blind, to bring out prisoners from confinement, and from the dungeon, those who live in darkness." We might ask how have we been grasped... by the hand as by a companion or caught as in rescued or even slightly pulled to provide guidance?
The second choice from the Book of Isaiah comforts an ailing people. It not only assures them of God's favor but promises that God will be their own Shepherd. They/We are told to make straight the highway for God even amid the wasteland. How that might unfold today seems to be contemplation for a good plan for ministry.
Whether the second reading chosen is from the Acts of the Apostles or the Letter to Titus, we will also hear about the inclusion of us all in the Good News. The first choice tells us "whoever fears God and acts uprightly" is acceptable to God. The second choice reminds us that "The grace of God has appeared, saving all and training us to reject godless ways and worldly desires and to live temperately, justly, and devoutly in this age."
As we allow the revelation of
God manifested at the Baptism of Jesus to grace us once again, may
we be open to the universality of God's love for all. May we bask in
being beloved ourselves and seek to include others in the knowledge
and comfort of this warm embrace. May we work gently but diligently
to promote peace and justice in our hearts, homes, and communities.
(Comments to Lanie at lanieleblanc@mindspring.com.)