January 12, 2025: The Baptism of the Lord

Gospel: Luke 3: 15-16, 21-22

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.”

Reflection

“You are my beloved son/daughter.” So many spiritual writers emphasize the importance of applying these words of the Father to ourselves and to the other. In Henri Nouwen’s words: “You are sent into this world to believe in yourself as God’s chosen one and then to help your brothers and sisters know that they are also Beloved Sons and Daughters of God who belong together. Before all distinctions, the separations, and the walls built on foundations of fear, there was a unity in the mind and heart of God.”

Action

Spend time this week with the word “beloved” and hear God speaking it to you. Or choose one of its synonyms. You are my cherished one. You are my favorite one. You are my treasured one. You are my revered one. You are my prized one. You are my precious one.

Imagine the words being said to the other. Believe it. Live it.