Gospel – Mark 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 on the Gospel

Let us remember we are in the holy presence of God.

Today, the Church celebrates the baptizing of Jesus in the Jordan river by his cousin John the Baptist. With this feast day, the official Christmas season comes to a close.

Today’s Gospel presents the famous scene, where Jesus is baptized by John the Baptist, and a voice from the heavens declares Jesus as the beloved son. Upon deeper reflection of this passage, I am struck by the role of John.

He makes sure to tell us that Jesus is more mighty and that Christ will baptize with the Holy Spirit.  John has been known by many names – Prophet, the Forerunner, the Herald of Christ,  and the cousin of the Lord. However, we know him as the Baptist, the one who baptized.

I was struck at the similarities of John the Baptist and our Founder, John Baptist De La Salle. Both shared the charismatic mission of preparing the way of the Lord in their unique ways. As John the Baptist prepared people’s hearts to change their lives through baptism, John Baptist De La Salle prepared his community of Brothers to minister to the hearts of their students. Both men named John, had a clear objective and goal—that every work and deed was for Jesus Christ.

As we celebrate the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, let us reflect on our own mission in preparing and touching hearts for the sake of Christ. Let us ask for the strength and grace to be heralds of good news in our own communities. Through our actions, let us be reflections of Christian love and unity. Then, through contemplation and silent reflection, with our eyes closed and our hearts centered on Christ, we just might hear the voice from heaven say “You are my beloved son (or daughter), in who I am well pleased”.

Br. Dan Monroe
Postulant – Midwest District
Jeremy House

Saint John Baptist De La Salle – Pray for us.
Live Jesus in out hearts – Forever.