The Baptism of the Lord | Monday 8 January 2024

Today is Monday the 8th of January, The Baptism of the Lord.

Maximilian sings, ‘Jordan’s Waters’. As you begin to pray today, you might like to reflect on your own baptism… What does it mean to you?

You laid aside Your glory on the banks of the Jordan
And all for me You went down to the depths
You traded Heaven's borders for the chill of murky waters
And took the place of one condemned to death
That day John preached for man to draw near
But God it's You that came down here
Making shorter Man's road to You
In Jordan's waters I'm being made new
As You plunged into the deep in search of muddy pearls
Son of Man, You left behind Your robe
There You found me in the dark and as You rose out of the mire
This prodigal came up dressed in gold
When You rose out of that pale grave into a hot Judean sun
With a violence the heavens did divide
Father You came running, and You wrapped me in Your voice
Shouting "this son of mine was dead but now's alive!"




Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Mark.

Mark 1.7-11

John the Baptist proclaimed, ‘The one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the thong of his sandals. I have baptized you with water; but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.’

In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him. And a voice came from heaven, ‘You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.’

What is stirring in me as I listen to this story of John baptising Jesus?

What do I want to say to Jesus about my own baptism or a commitment to God that I’ve made? I say it now.
I ask Jesus to show me how the Holy Spirit is shaping and guiding my life. I commit to watching for the signs of the Spirit at work in me and in those around me.

Jesus saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descent like a dove on him. He also heard the words, “This is my Son, my beloved, in him I am well pleased.”

As I listen to the passage again, I imagine God calling me ‘Beloved’.

What do I experience as I hear that God is well pleased with me?

Reflect on the gifts that Jesus has received during his baptism… Vision…Spirit… love… affirmation…belonging…perhaps something else you’ve noticed… Speak to Jesus about this now. You might like to ask for one or two of these gifts yourself…

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.