Jan 3 2006

Jn 1:29-34 John the Baptist saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world. He is the one of whom I said, ‘A man is coming after me who ranks ahead of me because he existed before me.’ I did not know him, but the reason why I came baptizing with water was that he might be made known to Israel.” John testified further, saying, “I saw the Spirit come down like a dove from the sky and remain upon him. I did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘On whomever you see the Spirit come down and remain, he is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’ Now I have seen and testified that he is the Son of God.”
The baptism of the Lord is a powerful moment in the Salvation History. The Trinity is present. The Spirit came down upon him. His baptism makes known his humanity and divinity to all. Jesus will take away the sin of the world. He is the lamb of God. The sacrifice of the unblemished firsborn. John, the great prophet of the New Testament, proclaims the meaning and witness of the baptism.

The reading brings my thoughts to my own baptism and the meaning of my baptismal vows and current ministry as a Religious Woman who is a member of the Benedictine Sisters. The baptism and the ministry are great blessings. I pray that I will have love and healing and a sharing of knowledge with others as I embark on another semester in my new ministry teaching nursing.