Week of January 9, 2011, Matthew 3:13-17

One of the Scriptures for Sunday is from the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 3, verses 13 to 17. It is Matthew’s account of the baptism of Jesus. In this part of the Church year, we have moved quickly from Jesus’ birth, and into his adulthood and beginnings of ministry.
13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. 14 But John tried to deter him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?”
15 Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John consented.
16 As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. 17 And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”

Jesus, thank You for the love that shines through You, from Your Father to You, from You to others. Thank You for coming to earth in a visible way, seen by many people, events chronicled in the Gospels, that prove You are God in our midst. Thank You for the Holy Spirit descending on You, and moving You forth into ministry, moving You to help those in need, and share Your love, and grace, and mercy, and peace, and healing with others.

With this passage, may we be reminded of our own baptism, how each day, Lord, we die to ourselves, and each day we rise to new life, to a life of love for others, a life of respect toward others, a life of service to others. Help us, Jesus, to see others through Your eyes, to bring Your compassion and help, Your hope and promise to those around us. With Your Spirit, Jesus, in each of us because of our baptism also, move us into ministry to others with the gifts and passions that you give to each of us.

Thanks Jesus for Your unconditional love, Your healing power through Your Spirit, Your presence with us always. Amen.

May the love of the Lord Jesus draw us to Himself;
May the power of the Lord Jesus strengthen us in His service;
May the joy of the Lord Jesus fill our souls;
May the fire of the Holy Spirit bring us comfort, guide us in our decisions, and fill us
with a fervent desire to serve You, Lord, better.
And may the blessing of the almighty and most merciful God - Creator, Word and eternal Holy Spirit - be upon us and remain with us always.
In the name of the Father and of the Son of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

You may leave a message or prayer request by emailing me at: peacewm@tds.net.
May we be more and more aware of God’s presence as we live out each day.