Lenten Devotional // Day 5

Monday, March 7
JESUS’ BAPTISM by Dennis Trask

Matthew 3:13-17
At that time Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan River so that John would baptize him. John tried to stop him and said, “I need to be baptized by you, yet you come to me?”
Jesus answered, “Allow me to be baptized now. This is necessary to fulfill all righteousness.”
So John agreed to baptize Jesus. When Jesus was baptized, he immediately came up out of the water. Heaven was opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God coming down like a dove and resting on him. A voice from heaven said, “This is my Son whom I dearly love; I find happiness in him.”

Reflection
What an amazing story. Immanuel, God with us, Jesus demonstrates that he really is with us by seeking baptism. Baptism, the same as for any person, a simple and powerful act of faith.

Question for Contemplation
Why is it that I/we so often resist the boundless love and forgiveness of God? Jesus clearly shows us what God offers all. Yet I often hesitate. We all often hesitate. What if I/we more and more accepted God’s abundant love and lived knowing that to be true?

Prayer
Dear God, thank you for your many blessings. Help me to faithfully know and accept your love.