And when Jesus was baptized, he went up immediately from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and alighting on him; and lo, a voice from heaven, saying, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”
Matthew 3:16-17
Today we celebrate the Baptism of the Lord.
In the narrative from Saint Matthew, we see John’s initial hesitation to baptise Jesus.
John as we discussed previously knew his role as forerunner to the Messiah and so he knew fully Who Jesus was.
His reluctance to baptise the Lord came from his acknowledgment of his own sinful nature and Jesus’ grace filled nature.
Yet Jesus insisted for His baptism to be conducted by John and when John surrendered in obedience the great miracle of revelation happened.
The heavens opened, the Holy Spirit came upon Jesus in the form of a dove and the Father’s voice was heard testifying to Jesus as His Beloved Son in Whom He is well pleased.
How awesome must have been John’s delight at the moment to see the full manifestation of the Christ unfolding before his eyes!
Alleluia!
Prayer
Lord Jesus today we recall how You are revealed to the world through the witness of the Father and the Holy Spirit.
I recall even now my own personal revelation of Your Real Presence in the Eucharist by The Father and The Holy Spirt Who appeared in the form of a dove.
As Mary prayed the rosary, the heavens were opened and this revelation was made manifest to me.
So like Saint John I humbly testify to what I have seen.
How merciful are You Holy Ghost to remind me of this truth, that I have humbly shared the experience of The Father’s revelation.
Holy Father, remind us all who bear the name and image of Your Divine Son as partakers in His baptism of this Divine truth o God, that our hearts may forever be alive with Your truth and eternal gratitude for the graces You have bestowed to us.
Thank You Holy God, Blessed Trinity, forever and ever.
And with the whole Church, we say, Amen!
Always & Forever,
To The Lamb,
With all my ❤
12 Jan 2020