jan 9 2006 The baptism of the Lord

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.”
The heavens were torn open by the Spirit descending on Jesus. The Spirit is upon those who are baptised in the the name of the Lord. The Holy Spirit needs to be honored with honesty to others and self. I recently learned more about the condition of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit as being self deception, lying to oneself. A difficult situation to remedy because it requires awareness to resolve it but the deception can prevent awareness. It is a "Catch 22" but the Spirit can open up the heavens and open hearts and minds and God is always reaching out to us. I pray today that I carry the love of God to all I encounter this day.