Sunday 9 January

The Baptism of the Lord (F)

Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7; Psalm 103:1-4, 24-25, 27-30; Acts 10:34-38; Luke 3:15-16, 21-22

Holy Spirit and fire

Baptism was a common ritual with many meanings. A baptism “with Holy Spirit and fire” goes beyond religious ritual. The whole created order will be transformed just as fire changes the material state of matter. Jesus emerges from the crowds that come to John for baptism. What happens afterwards is more important. Jesus is at prayer, which in Luke is the condition for human openness to the action of God. Am I aware of my need for prayer to be receptive to God in my life in the world?