January 10, 2016: The Baptism of the Lord

Sunny and Sister Rebecca loved to walk together.

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)

Reflection:

Sunny (RIP), my neighbor’s dog, and I loved to walk together.
When Sunny got tired, I affirmed her by saying, “Good, girl!”
Sunny would turn around, “smile” at me, look forward, and then begin prancing.

In today’s gospel reading, after Jesus’ baptism by John, God affirms Jesus by saying, “You are my beloved Son. With you I am well pleased.”

Action:

We, too, are God’s beloved daughters and sons. This week show God’s love for someone by affirming them. Compliment them or tell them you love them. “Affirmation makes our hearts prance.”