+ The gospel passage today introduces an often glossed-over
account of a surprising activity of Jesus and his disciples: St
John tells us “Jesus and his disciples went into Judea where he spent some time
with them baptizing: John was also in the area baptizing.” ?? Huh? so what is
this all about? What is Jesus doing baptizing people?
Placing the event juxtaposed
to John’s baptism tells us that these baptisms were the “pre-Jesus” baptism of
repentance for sin – and kind of spiritual cleansing and purging of lesser
offenses. The forgiveness involved gained its power for the upcoming and future
act of Jesus’ death on the Cross and subsequent Resurrection from the Dead to a
fullness of human life. In a sense it was a “preview ad” or “coming attraction”
that we are used to seeing before watching a movie in a theater.
This reading in a sense ties
in nicely with the first reading from St. John’s First Letter: first he tells
us to ask anything according to the will of God and it will be ours, the answer
is set in motion before we even speak out fully the request. Then he talks
about seeing a brother or sister who is erring, sinning against the Laws set
down by God for right living. We are not to simply do nothing and let their
eternal souls remain in peril, we can at least “pray for them” – ask the will
of God for the welfare of their immortal souls. And this answer will also be
set in motion instantaneously. God is always so eager to assist us in doing the
right thing!
And so today will be full of
opportunities to help others, either by praying for them, or by lending them an
encouraging word or a helping hand. Doing this in the Name of Jesus, for the
glory of his Father and ours will bring great blessings on us and our loved
ones – without a doubt!
“The people who sit in
darkness have seen a great light, on those dwelling in a land overshadowed by
death, LIGHT HAS ARISEN! May that same light SHINE THROUGH US – this day –
moment by moment! Amen.
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