TUESDAY, FOURTH WEEK OF LENT

Jesus, Baptized by John,
heard a Voice of Heaven

In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him. And a voice from heaven, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.” Mark 1: 9-11

I don’t remember my baptism. I was baptized as an infant. I was too young to know and understand what the sacrament meant. I know I was baptized. That’s it. There’s only one baptism. As an infant, our parents pledged to nurture us within the family of faith. God gives us his love before we are able to respond in faith.

What were Jesus’ feelings when he emerged from the water? We are told what he saw and heard. What did he feel when the Holy Spirit descended and God claimed him as his own? I can only imagine. Did he feel refreshed and renewed, full of God’s love and delight?

I wonder what it would be like to be baptized as an adult: to know that God loves me dearly, that God claims me as his own; that my sins are forgiven, that God takes delight in me, and that the Holy Spirit resides in me. As an adult, I reaffirm the commitments made for me through the sacraments. Like with Jesus, God speaks to us in a very personal way.

As we remember Jesus’ baptism, take time to rethink the meaning of baptism in your own life.

Loving God, as we remember the baptism of your beloved son, we rededicate our lives through repentance, faithfulness and discipleship. Pour your grace upon us as we seek to follow your will. Amen.