January 13, 2013: Feast of the Baptism of the Lord

Ancient footwear made from the bark of trees and similar to the sandals worn around Jesus’ time.

The people were filled with expectation, and all were asking in their hearts whether John might be the Christ. John answered them all, saying, “I am baptizing you with water, but one mightier than I is coming. I am not worthy to loosen the thongs of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.”

After all the people had been baptized and Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit descended upon him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.” (Luke 3:15-16, 21-22)

John the Baptist was a very quiet person, one we really don’t know much about.
I imagine he was never comfortable being in the limelight–he thought that was the place for Jesus, not him. This story let’s us know that he knew who Jesus was and was happy to be near him and hear the “voice from heaven” tell others who Jesus truly was.

Action:

Think for a bit today about whom you really are, not just your name and address and where you live and who your parents are–but who you are in the eyes of God.
Are you a good person? Are you loving–do you love your parents, your brothers and sisters (if you have any), your grandparents, your friends?
Who are you–and are you happy being you?