Prayer:
O Holy Spirit, fall upon me.
Imagination:
Picture Jesus coming out of the Jordan
Context:
Mark begins his gospel with the ministry of John the Baptist. The preceding verses describe John who then describes Jesus as the more powerful one. After the baptism comes the divine manifestation of the Spirit and the Father.
Gospel Text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud)
John preached, saying, “There comes after me one more powerful than I, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and loosen. I have baptized you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.
In those days, Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. As he came out of the water, he saw the heavens opened and the Spirit as a dove descending and remaining on him. There came a voice from heaven. You are my beloved Son. In you, I am well pleased.”
Thoughts: (Read all. Ponder the ones that attract you.)
- John turns the spotlight away from himself.
- His task is to prepare for Jesus.
- He minimizes his own power to baptize with water.
- He promises a more powerful person who will baptize in the Spirit.
- Jesus comes to the Jordan as God had planned.
- After his Baptism, the Holy Spirit remains on Jesus as a permanent anointing.
- The Father’s voice confirms Jesus as his beloved.
Affections: (When one touches your heart, use your own words.)
- O Jesus, prepare my heart for you.
- O Jesus, you are the strong one, who comes from Nazareth.
- O Jesus, pour out your Spirit upon me.
- Teach me to know and follow the Father’s plan.
- Open the heavens and pour out all your graces.
- O Spirit, remain upon me.
- O Father, always exalt your Son. I will do the same.
Resolutions: (Possibly you might want to make your own.)
+ I will ask for the Holy Spirit.
+ I will try to be the Father’s beloved child.