Gospel – Mark 1:1-8
The beginning of the good news about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God, as it is written in Isaiah the prophet: “I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way” “A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.’” And so John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. The whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem went out to him. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River. John wore clothing made of camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. And this was his message: “After me comes the one more powerful than I, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”
The Catechism of the Catholic Church
523 St. John the Baptist is the Lord’s immediate precursor or forerunner, sent to prepare his way. “Prophet of the Most High”, John surpasses all the prophets, of whom he is the last. He inaugurates the Gospel, already from his mother’s womb welcomes the coming of Christ, and rejoices in being “the friend of the bridegroom”, whom he points out as “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world” Going before Jesus “in the spirit and power of Elijah”, John bears witness to Christ in his preaching, by his Baptism of conversion, and through his martyrdom.
From “The Visible Face of the Invisible God” Testimony of Catalina Rivas (Chpt.-1:12-15)
12) Jesus had sat down under a tree on the highest part of the road that went down to the river in order to watch the scene and to listen to John. The Lord felt deep tenderness for that poorly dressed man who was shaking men’s consciences.
13) Jesus thought about the Israelites traveling in the desert in search of the Promised Land. They had a cloud over them which, as a protective veil, covered and protected them. All of those who had crossed the Sea with Moses were “baptized” in the cloud and in the sea which protected them so they could free themselves from Pharaoh’s soldiers.
14) The Baptism administered to them by John at this time, was a kind of vestment or protective mantle; a divine bath which changed their sin-stained vestments as they repented and allowed themselves to be submerged in the waters of the Jordan.
15) God revealed to John the way he was to initiate the Baptism by water, and also who was to do it in the Holy Spirit. The Heavens would open and the Kingdom of God would draw near to those who would be baptized.
Each week we will be presenting a portion of the following Sunday’s readings, and linking it to relevant parts of the Catechism of the Catholic Church and messages from the Testimony of Catalina. Pay special attention to the italicized underlined sections. This Sunday it is asked, What kind of soil will you be for the word of God? We hope this is inspiring and educational. Any comments you have are certainly welcomed.
Tim Francis prepared this educational program to help you increase your faith and love for the Holy Trinity and our Blessed Mother. His website is http://YouShallBelieve.com
I have known Tim for many years and recommend his work highly. He is a strong advocate for the “The Real Body and Blood Of Jesus” and the numerous miracles that occur on a daily basis. Both of us are greatly 3inspired by the amazing writings of Catalina Rivas. Catalina is one of the few individuals in history who personally experienced the “Stigmata Of Jesus Christ.”