Saturday, January 8, 2022

Gospel Acclamation: The Baptism of the Lord

The heavens were opened and the voice of the Father thundered: This is My beloved Son, listen to Him.

As Jesus comes up out of the waters of the Jordan River, the heavens open up; a dove descends upon Jesus; and the Father's voice rings out. Here we have a portrait of the Blessed Trinity. The dove represents the Holy Spirit. God the Father speaks, identifying Jesus as His beloved Son. Jesus stands there, dripping wet, fully human yet also fully God.

In your imagination, put yourself on the bank of the Jordan witnessing this scene. What do you see? What do you hear? Are you startled? Afraid? Hopeful? Confused? What are you thinking as you look at Jesus and see the dove and hear the mysterious voice ringing out above you?

Now ask yourself: Do you obey the Father? Do you recognize Jesus as the beloved Son, the Second Person of the Blessed Trinity, God-and-man? Do you listen to Him? Do you seek to know Him and to follow His perfect will for your life? Do you allow the Holy Spirit and God's grace to descend upon you and fill you? Are you also the Father's beloved child?

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