THE WORD THIS WEEKEND

This weekend the Catholic Church celebrates the Baptism of Jesus.  Because it occurs two weeks after we celebrate his birth, you might have thought that Jesus was baptized two weeks after he was born.  An infant baptism, like we have now.  

Not so.  Jesus was baptized during the approximate three years when he ministered publicly on earth.  Jesus was baptized in the River Jordan by John - known as the Baptist.  John was related to Jesus being the son of Mary's cousin Elizabeth.  Remember that Mary visited Elizabeth shortly after she found that she was to bear the Christ child.  John was about 6 months older than Jesus. 

In the Gospel reading from Luke you will hear Sunday, make note of these two things. First:  John said Jesus would baptize the world with the Holy Spirit and fire.  Fire!  What does that mean?  The people of that time knew that fire was used to purify metals and make them stronger.  That it was also used to set clay into pottery.  Second:  It is noted that after Jesus was baptized he prayed.  We don't know what he said to his father but after a while the Holy Spirit descended upon him.  

Know that you have been given strength in your baptism  -  you need to pray.  Talk to God.  

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