In the course of his preaching John said, ‘Someone is following me, someone who is more powerful than I am, and I am not fit to kneel down and undo the strap of his sandals. I have baptized you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.’ It was at this time that Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized in the Jordan by John. No sooner had he come up out of the water than he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit, like a dove, descending on him. And a voice came from heaven, ‘You are my Son, the Beloved; my favor rests on you.’

 

Jesus was affirmed by the Father, “This is my beloved Son, my favour rests on him”.  In our baptism, God tells you who you are, makes you all you can be and affirms you in what you will be.  Jesus was empowered by the Spirit of God.  Our baptism empowers us too, with a fiery spirit so that we could take strength for our fears, courage in our doubts, power when we are weak.  Jesus was sent out on a life mission, a ministry of love, freedom and truth.  As a result of our baptism, we too, have a job to do and a mission to undertake:  to act on what we say we believe. 

-          Are we convinced of the fact that we are God’s sons and daughters and our identity and self-fulfilment only comes from Him?  Based on the gospel of today, how does God see us?  Do we see ourselves as God sees us?   

-          Are we aware of the role of the Holy Spirit in our Christian life?  Is it possible to be a true Christian without the Holy Spirit in our lives?  How can we let the Holy Spirit empower us against the temptations of the world? 

-          Are we carrying out our mission as children of God in the world we live?  How can we fulfil our vocation as children of God in our homes, school, parish and society?  What is God calling you to do in your Christian life today?  Where can you hear the voice of God speaking to you? 

1.      For all young people who have not yet known Christ, that their minds may be opened to the truth and their hearts to the love of the Father.

2.      For all of us who have been baptized, that we may always live our baptismal promises by rejecting sin and live in the freedom as God’s beloved children.  

3.      For all who are struggling with sin in their lives, that the Spirit of God may guide and strengthen them to reject the path of slavery to sin and follow the path of repentance and life in the Holy Spirit.

4.      For young families, that the love of God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit may inspire them to grow in love for one another and live in a communion of love and reconciliation.  

5.      For those who feel that God is calling them to the priesthood and religious life, that the Lord will give the grace to grow in the vocation and increase in their love for serving God and his people. 

Lord Jesus Christ, by your suffering, death and resurrection, you give us new life:  a life filled with joy and purpose; a life only you can give it, for you are the source of life.  Guide us on our pilgrimage of life, that following you faithfully as your disciples, we may witness boldly to the world, your love and truth.  Enlighten our minds and hearts that your Word which we read and meditated may take roots in our lives.  Help us not to fall into sin and if we do fall due to our human weakness, bring us back to you for you are the way, the truth and the life. We also pray for all our brothers and sisters, wherever they are, who are committed to this prayer, that their faith may be strengthened, their hope assured and their love fulfilled.  In your name we humbly pray.  Amen