Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint 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.”
Baptism is your greatest gift
1. John. He is a humble man who makes clear to everyone what his mission is, so that people do not get confused about him. Let’s learn from that courage, because you and I may often be bitten by the bug of narcissism which leads us to believe that we are messiahs, the saviors. So, even if people applaud you, remind yourself and others who you are and what your mission is. Do not take on responsibilities that are not yours. Make it clear because people may be misled and easily idolize you.
2. Baptism. It is a purification, a turning point, and a change. There is a before and an after for those who are baptized. It is true that many of us were baptized without being asked, and it is as if we do not understand the whole thing, but I want to make it clear to you that baptism opens the door to Catholicism. We are a family, and this sacrament is our DNA. How nice it is to walk together as a family!
3. Divine Filiation. I will never get tired of telling you that the greatest thing that we have is that we are children of God, and therefore heirs of all graces. Do you realize how much God loves you? God sets out a course for you, and a mission – a divine mission, which is paradise.
Always remember that something good is on the way!
God bless you, be with you and protect you in the name of the Father, of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
