Starting our journey
From today’s Scripture: “It happened in those days that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized in the Jordan by John…. And a voice came from the heavens, ‘You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.’” —Mk 1:9, 11
This reading puzzled me. If we were baptized to remove original sin, why in the world was Jesus getting in line to be baptized? As my high school religion teacher explained to me, his baptism was different than the Christian baptism. Whereas our baptism initiates our participation into God’s salvific plan, Jesus’ baptism immersed him into the life of people. The water poured over us was sanctified by Jesus’ descending into the baptism waters of the Jordan. With our baptism, we start our journey in the life of the Church while Jesus’ baptism is the starting point of his mission on earth.
Let us pray: Lord, when I realize that you love me, and are well pleased with me, it is like the start of a new life. As I hear your voice, I know that I have a purpose and a destiny.
Today’s author is Mike Schneider, Glenmary’s former Treasurer and Chief Administrator.
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