Baptism of our Lord

+ The Baptism of our Lord +
10 January 2010
Luke 3:21-22 Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heavens were opened, and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form, like a dove; and a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”
In our own Baptism, the manifestation of each person of the life-giving Trinity begins and continues our relationship with the one true God in his body the Church.
1. The manifestation of Jesus our brother
a. As Jesus prays for us, the heavens are opened
b. Baptism reveals the importance and power of prayer in our lives; prayer walks continue
2. The manifestation of the Holy Spirit, the anointing of love
a. A visible sign of what was already and always true
b. Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works etc.
3. The manifestation of the Father; affirmation and acceptance
a. Public ministry requires public affirmation – Father wants everyone to know His Son
b. We are affirmed and accepted when the Gospel is rightly proclaimed and the Sacraments rightly administered; and we offer that freely the waiting world.