The Baptism of Jesus

John the Baptist proclaimed, “One mightier than I is coming after me. I am not worthy to stoop and loosen the straps of his sandals. I have baptized you with water; he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” Then, Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized in the Jordan by John. On coming up out of the water He saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit, like a dove, descending upon Him. And a voice came from the heavens, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.” Mk 1:7-11

The Baptist proclaims full-throated to all who will listen, “Ecce Angus Dei, Behold the Lamb of God.” And so, by the preaching of John and the baptism in the Jordan, Jesus begins His saving mission. The Blessed Trinity is seen at work in the first scene of this sacred drama. The Son humbly lowers Himself in the water, the Spirit anoints the Son for His saving work, the Father proclaims aloud, “You are my beloved.”

The Son, now anointed Messiah, will prove by preaching, teaching and death that God loves us to the end.