Gospel MK 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:
John the Baptist said, “I have baptized you with water…”
To be baptized with water is to be cleansed of sin. Although Jesus was sinless, He chose to be baptized so that others could understand that He was fully human. And, because He took on our human form, He is able to relate to our frailties and imperfections.
John the Baptist went on to say; “….he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”
But, in the gospels of both Matthew and Luke, John the Baptist is quoted as saying, “He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.”
Fire is used to cauterize or seal a wound and bring about healing.
To be baptized with water and the fire of the Holy Spirit is to be washed, healed and sealed in Christ.
After the resurrection and ascension of Jesus, His apostles and disciples spread far and wide throughout the world.
Christian customs, traditions, and interpretation of scripture take many forms, but Christians everywhere are united in their baptism through both water and fire.
Whether in China, American, Europe or Africa, all Christians are one, in union with Christ.
“God and the soul are fused together like two bits of wax that no one can ever pull apart.” – – Saint John Vianney