tim francis

Gospel – Mark 1:7-11

This is what John the Baptist proclaimed: “One mightier than I is coming after me. I am not worthy to stoop and loosen the thongs of his sandals. I have baptized you with water; he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” It happened in those days that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized in the Jordan by John. On coming up out of the water he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit, like a dove, descending upon him. And a voice came from the heavens, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”

The Catechism of the Catholic Church

535   Jesus’ public life begins with his baptism by John in the Jordan. John preaches “a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.” A crowd of sinners—tax collectors and soldiers, Pharisees and Sadducees, and prostitutes—come to be baptized by him. “Then Jesus appears.” The Baptist hesitates, but Jesus insists and receives baptism. Then the Holy Spirit, in the form of a dove, comes upon Jesus and a voice from heaven proclaims, “This is my beloved Son.”  This is the manifestation (“Epiphany”) of Jesus as Messiah of Israel and Son of God.

536   The baptism of Jesus is on his part the acceptance and inauguration of his mission as God’s suffering Servant. He allows himself to be numbered among sinners; he is already “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.” Already he is anticipating the “baptism” of his bloody death. Already he is coming to “fulfill all righteousness,” that is, he is submitting himself entirely to his Father’s will: out of love he consents to this baptism of death for the remission of our sins. The Father’s voice responds to the Son’s acceptance, proclaiming his entire delight in his Son. The Spirit whom Jesus possessed in fullness from his conception comes to “rest on him.” Jesus will be the source of the Spirit for all mankind. At his baptism “the heavens were opened”—the heavens that Adam’s sin had closed—and the waters were sanctified by the descent of Jesus and the Spirit, a prelude to the new creation.

From “The Great Crusade of Mercy” Testimony of Catalina Rivas (CM – 29:18-19)

18) Now I must tell you about My baptism. John instituted it by divine inspiration and I made use of it in order to teach you. The waters of the Jordan were used by Cain to wash himself when he became stained with his crime and when I submerged Myself in those waters, I felt Myself submerged in the filthy waters of every human being. That is why I told John that it would be better if I allowed him to baptize Me: that it was appropriate that he should baptize Me and that I should allow Myself to be baptized. My intention was to take on Cain’s sin and in it, all sins.

19) But My Father, seeing Me humbled in that way, praised Me in a loud voice, so that all those present were astounded. And even the Holy Spirit, by descending in the form of a dove, made Divine acceptance visible, by symbolizing peace between mankind and God. John had received the testimony that had been promised to him and immediately recognized Me, even though he also was ignorant of those matters. Many deeds and matters having to do with Me were symbolic and I made use of them to unite Heaven and earth.

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