Last Monday, the Feast of the Lord’s Baptism, we heard in the Gospel that Jesus went to the Jordan River where He was baptized by John. By all accounts, this was truly an incredible moment in the life of Jesus, John, and the Church. As Jesus ascends from the waters, the Holy Spirit descends from Heaven. In this beautiful ascending and descending, the powerful and loving voice of God the Father is heard: “This is My beloved Son with whom I am well pleased.” Now, the Gospel this weekend offers us even more testimony and confirmation regarding the identity of Jesus. John sees Jesus from afar and cries out: “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.” John does not make this assertion on his own accord. He provides the people with proof of his claim: “I saw the Spirit come down like a dove from heaven 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.” What more do we need? He is Jesus, the Son of God ~ you have heard the testimony of God (as if that’s not enough!) and John. It’s time for you now to see, believe, and testify to who He is!
Faithfully Yours in Christ,
Fr. Wayne