Gospel Mark 1:7-11
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.”

Reflection
One of the questions so many people have is how much did Jesus understand about His ministry? Did He know everything that was going to happen? Or did He grow naturally, evolve like we evolve? I believe the latter is the case, and this must have been an amazing moment for Him because when He was baptized, He heard, and John heard the voice of God saying, This is my beloved son and my favor, my love, my presence is with Him.
And there's one thing that always strikes me about this particular passage is that the heavens were not just parted and opened, but ripped open like there is this longing on the part of God for so long to be able to now manifest to us who He really is in another human being. It's the beginning of the wonderful world that we've all been called to live in.

Closing Prayer
Father, living. The Gospel, as you call us to live it, demands an acceptance of this great mystery of your dwelling within us. Help us to believe it. Help us to know that nothing in us can keep us from this gift when we understand how deeply you desire to fill us with your spirit. Bless us with trust and faith and belief. And we ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

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