Jesus was baptized by John, not because Jesus needed to repent, but to show his acceptance of John’s ministry, his own total commitment to God, and his solidarity with sinners. That baptism became a profound religious experience, which in Mark’s account Jesus alone perceived. It was also an ambivalent experience because the words “You are my son” comes from the psalm for a royal coronation (Ps 2:7), but “beloved,” “well pleased” and “the Spirit descending” are references to Isaiah’s first Servant Song (Is 42:1). Jesus was driven to the desert to discern whether God’s Son was to be a glorious sovereign or a humble servant. His responses to the temptations show he chose the way of humility. We’re one with him by our baptism, and so we’re beloved sons and daughters in whom the Father is well pleased. We’re also called to walk the way of humility and the beatitudes before we share Christ’s glory.
—Fr. Peter Fennessy, SJ is a retreat director at Manresa Jesuit Retreat House in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan.
Show, O Lord, Thy ways to me,
and teach me Thy paths.
Direct me in Thy truth, and teach me,
for Thou art God my Saviour.
—St. Peter Faber, SJ
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Ignatian spirituality reminds us that God pursues us in the routines of our home and work life, and in the hopes and fears of life's challenges. The founder of the Jesuits, Saint Ignatius of Loyola, created the Spiritual Exercises to deepen our relationship with Christ and to move our contemplation into service. May this prayer site anchor your day and strengthen your resolve to remember what truly matters.
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