The Baptism of the Lord, Sunday January 12, 2025

Reflection on the WORD

“Baptism of Jesus” – Faith: At the Baptism of Jesus, the heavens opened: the Holy Spirit appeared in the form of a dove, and God our Father proclaimed, “You are My Son, the Beloved; My favour rests on You.” Ponder on, “This Mystery is the revelation of our Triune God. Are we inspired to ask God to touch us more deeply, and to love Him more personally?”

Luke 3:15-16, 21-22

A feeling of expectancy had grown among the people, who were beginning to think that John might be the Christ, so John declared before them all, 'I baptise you with water, but someone is coming, someone who is more powerful than I am, and I am not fit to undo the strap of his sandals; he will baptise you with the Holy Spirit and fire. 

Now when all the people had been baptised and while Jesus after his own baptism was at prayer, heaven opened and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily shape, like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, ‘You are my Son, the Beloved; my favour rests on you.’ 

Today's Pointers on God's Word

As you read the passage what words, phases or meanings caught your attention?

  • When we serve God, we should remember how John the Baptist served with great humility by putting Christ before his own popularity and pride. 
  • Thus, John was able to serve effectively as the Holy Spirit was able to work through him because of his humility. 
  • Are we humble enough to allow the Holy Spirit to work through us or are there obstacles of pride, fear and selfishness in us? Ponder on the fact that without God, we are nothing. We need to honour Him through our actions of faith, hope and love for Him.