Spirit Descending – Mark 1:7-11 Reflection
Do you pray deeply each day for a world where everyone has the dignity of work, food, and a place to live? Have you worked in a soup kitchen where you served food, gave out hats and scarves for the cold, or perhaps humbly poured milk into their coffee because you genuinely wanted to? If so, then you have a vague idea of how Saint John feels preparing the way in his heart and suggesting we do the same for God to enter. When your heart is opened, you can see why Jesus Baptizes and cleans you with His life-giving water and the Holy Spirit. We can be like Jesus, with the Spirit descending on us to do as the Father pleases as we are a son or daughter of God. If we listen to Trinity’s voice, our open heart will prepare us and give us what we need to be present and do for others.
The Baptism of Jesus by James Tissot. (full-resolution image of painting).
More details are available on the Brooklyn Museum website.
Additional Christmastide Reflections
Mark 1:7-11 – Scripture*
7 He 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. 8 I have baptized you with water; but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”
The Baptism of Jesus
9 In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10 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. 11 And a voice came from heaven, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.”
Additional Thoughts
Thank you for meditating on this Gospel and reading this Lectio Divina on Mark 1:7-11 Reflection – Spirit Descending
Would you like to contribute related thoughts to these Lectio reflections on the Gospel readings? Since Lectio is not the only contemplative prayer style, others might appreciate these types of expressions in this ministry. Do you see God’s grandeur everywhere and unconditionally enjoy sharing the love of Christ that you have inside? Are you willing to be anonymous in what you would share? If so, email me.
Prayer for young families:
Lord, let the young families of our communities get to know your joy, peace, comfort, and love despite worldly distractions.
Attributions
*This site has permission to use the New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE) Bible Mark 1 passage.
The Immersive Prayer website follows the guidelines for image web use at the Brooklyn Museum and the Jewish Museum websites.
Page and discussion group on these Lectio Divina daily Gospel Readings.
Discussion group on St. John of the Cross.
Other affiliations
Primary Lectio Divina word or phrase: Spirit Descending