Reflections on the Gospel

Scripture Insights

As the prayers of today’s liturgy remind us, the Lord Jesus, “appearing in our very flesh” (collect), humbled himself to be baptized by John in the Jordan River. Through his compassionate identification with our human state, he “willed to wash away the sins of the world” (prayer over the offerings). At our own baptism we are joined to Christ, cleansed from sin, received the Spirit, and are proclaimed God’s adopted sons and daughters.

Today we find that John’s ministry has brought many to him and spread an eager hopefulness that he is the long-awaited Messiah. John, however, is clear about his role and baptizing ministry as leading people to repentance to prepare the way for the one to come. He presents himself as the Isaian voice crying out in the wilderness proclaiming forgiveness, mercy, and the coming revelation of the glory of God.

In Isaiah’s original context, the prophet proclaims the Word of God as the hope for return from exile and restoration of God’s people to their land and union with God. The evangelists reenvision this hope in the person of John the Baptist, who prepares the people for restoration and reunion with God through the coming Messiah. John’s baptism of Jesus inaugurates the revelation of the glory of God as the Holy Spirit descends upon Jesus, who is affirmed as Son.

The Holy Spirit drives the action of Jesus’ baptism and our own. The early disciples relied heavily on the Spirit to inspire their meetings, words, and actions. What is our relationship with the Holy Spirit? At what moments in our day could we make room for a simple prayer of invocation, like “Come, Holy Spirit?” How might our words and actions change if we invite the Holy Spirit to lead?

In baptism, we invite the Holy Spirit to come and live in us. The Holy Spirit guides us as we learn to truly love ourselves as God created us, and to let go of shame and fear as we live in the world. As you grow up, you will make mistakes and sometimes hurt others. God does not condemn us for those moments, but rather seeks to pull us in closer with a gentle, loving embrace that helps us feel refreshed and ready to apologize, make amends, and keep trying.