Our Father Who art in Heaven...
This painting of Jesus' Baptism comes from Korea. It feels like morning with the mist on the Jordan River. There is a little breeze making the riverside grass bend. Musical angels fill the sky and heaven has opened sending us the Light of Knowledge. What's that? The Knowledge of how beautiful God is in Jesus Christ.
Hail Mary full of grace...
Jesus was baptized by John, who lived in the desert so there would be nothing to distract him from the thoughts of God. When John came out to the people his message was, "Turn, turn to Jesus ~ God is doing great work in him."
Hail Mary full of grace...
God had made us and all the creatures to show his beauty and light. But somewhere along the way human beings chose to go without God. This choice brought sadness into the world's story. But God came to find us and bring us back to himself. He began by taking back the water when Jesus stepped down into the river.
Hail Mary full of grace...
There was a crowd at the riverbank where John is baptizing. Even though Jesus is God, he is one of us and there is nothing to show he is different. The people had come to answer John's call to turn to God. Imagine being in that crowd! And I will give myself to God from my heart in some new way now as I offer this prayer.
Hail Mary full of grace...
Sometimes children play games turning round and around. But the real turning that human beings have to do is not a game but an inside turning from anger, hatred and selfishness to mercy and compassion. Mercy is doing good for others. Compassion is feeling deeply with people in their needs.
Hail Mary full of grace...
Because the water belongs to God - the ice, snow, clouds, mist and fog, rain, streams, ponds, rivers and oceans - we must care for it, and all the plants and animals that live there.
Hail Mary full of grace...
Big word: Baptism is a lustration ~ a holy bath that makes us inwardly bright, radiant and new. Baptism announces, I am God's child. I even share God's wonderful energies.
Hail Mary full of grace...
Sad to say, but the Jordan River is not a very clean river; it is muddy, polluted and full of slow moving twists and turns. Life is like that some times - difficult with wrong choices and sin along the way. But how wonderful ~ this is where Jesus joins us in love!
Hail Mary full of grace...
When Jesus came up out of the water the heavens opened and a voice was heard that said, "This is my pleasing Son." And the Spirit appeared like a dove. God is one, but God has an inner life of family and friendship. We call this the Holy Trinity.
Hail Mary full of grace...
At Baptism I was soaked and flooded with the life of the Holy Trinity. There is room for everyone and everything in God's circle of life and love: a baby just born, the animals that live deep in the forest, the flowers that grow in the desert where no one sees.
Hail Mary full of grace...
Glory be to the Father...
