One With Us

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/011313.cfm) reminds us that Jesus is one with us in all aspects, except sin.

The readings remind us how anointed Jesus was. He really is the Son of God, sent by God to save us from our sins as he proclaims God’s kingdom. The gospel recounts his baptism, and God affirming to everyone present that Jesus is his Son.

Jesus did not need to be baptized. He is one with God, one with him from eternity. He only had himself baptized to show us that he is really one with us. That he goes through what we go through. That he experiences that we experience. In doing so, we are reminded, and encouraged, that we can also do what Jesus can do.

Jesus was tempted several times, just like us. He was given a task to proclaim God’s kingdom, just like us. He became afraid and asked if he can be spared the pain, just like us. When he destroyed the vendors in the temple, we see him mad, just like us. He attends weddings and eats, just like us. Knowing this, we know that we can also do what he did. We can forgive, just like him. We can show compassion and help other people, just like him. We can proclaim God’s kingdom, just like Him.

May Jesus baptism remind us that he is one with us, and encourage us to live lives just like his.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for all the blessings you have generously bestowed upon me and my family. Thank you for the Word that reminded me that Jesus is also human, just like us. Help us Lord to take it into heart. Help us be inspired that we can also live a life pleasing to you, doing your work and spreading your love to other people we encounter. May today, we spread your love in a special way. Amen.

Blessed Sunday!

In Christ,

-g-