BAPTIZING WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT (LK 3:15-16; 21-22)
Prayer:
Holy Spirit, pour out your fire.
Imagination:
Picture Jesus after his baptism.
Context:
In Luke, the crowds play a large role. They are filled with anticipation. Also, they get baptized before Jesus does. The two central points are Jesus’ power to baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire, and the heavenly manifestations of the Spirit and the Father.
Gospel text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud)
The crowd was wondering, thinking in their hearts that John perhaps might be the Messiah. John answered, saying to all, “I, indeed, baptize with water, but there shall come someone mightier than I, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to tie. He will baptize you in the Holy Spirit and fire.
Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus was at prayer after he had been baptized, the heavens were opened. The Holy Spirit descended in the visible form of a dove. A voice came from heaven saying, “You are my beloved Son, in whom 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.
- According to God’s plan, 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.)
- Jesus, prepare my heart for you.
- Pour out your Spirit upon me.
- Teach me to know and follow the Father’s plan.
- When You open the heavens all your graces fall on me.
- Spirit, remain upon me.
- Father, I also will exalt your Son.
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.
Thought for the Day: (To recall your meditation.)
The Spirit descended and remained on him.