REFLECTIONS TODAY
Matthew and Luke have infancy narratives to prepare for Jesus’ appearance to Israel as the preacher of the Good News of salvation. John, in turn, has the Prologue about the preexistent Logos (Word) who has become flesh in Jesus. Mark, instead, has Jesus being introduced by “a voice” “from the heavens” as the “beloved Son” of God (v 11). This is signified by the descent of the Holy Spirit upon Jesus when he is baptized by John in the Jordan River. God the Father is pleased with Jesus, the Beloved Son, especially in his reception of the baptism of John, a sign of his being one with sinful human beings, even if he himself is without sin to repent of. Baptism is also Jesus’ “messianic consecration” for the mission. With his divine dignity established, he is ready to proclaim the Kingdom of God. The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches: “Jesus’ messianic consecration reveals his divine mission, for the name ‘Christ’ implies ‘he who anointed,’ ‘he who was anointed’ and ‘the very anointing with which he was anointed.’ The one who anointed is the Father, the one who was anointed is the Son, and he was anointed with the Spirit who is the anointing. His eternal messianic consecration was revealed during the time of his earthly life at the moment of his baptism by John, when God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, that he might be revealed to Israel as its Messiah. His works and words will manifest him as ‘the Holy One of God’ ” (n 438).
GOSPEL • Mk 1:7-11 7
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.”
Source: “366 Days with the Lord 2024,” St. Paul’s, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.