Sunday Readings: Isaiah 42.1-4,6-7; Titus 2.11-14,3.4-7; Luke 3.15-16,21-22
“As the people were filled with expectation and all were questioning in their hearts whether John might be the messiah, John answered ‘I baptize you with water; but one who is more powerful than I is coming…He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.'” – Luke 3.16
No one works with greater zeal and tirelessness than John the Baptist to ready people for the messiah’s coming, so hard that many think he is the messiah. The baptism John offers people marks their repentance and turning toward God. The washing expresses their change of heart. Jesus discerns his own mission among these people seeking God and goodness.
When Jesus is baptized, the Holy Spirit comes upon him. A voice from heaven declares who he is: “My Son, my Beloved.” Our baptisms call us to join in Jesus’ mission. The Spirit comes upon us to inspired us to love and forgive one another as Jesus did, to share and make peace, to welcome all. It is a call to holiness.
What is holiness to you? How do you respond to this baptismal call?
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