In Mark’s gospel, we hear a heavenly voice saying at Jesus’ baptism, ”You are my Son, my Beloved; with you I am well-pleased.”
As we hear the beginning of the good news in Mark’s gospel, John the baptizer comes and Jesus goes out to the wilderness to be baptized. What does that mean to you?
Jesus has a powerful experience of God’s love at baptism. We celebrate Jesus’ baptism, even as we listen for God’s voice to us. What helps you to hear that you also are God’s beloved? How do we trust that God is also well-pleased with us?
Our faith can begin there, with God’s love showering on us, and God’s good pleasure embracing us. We still need to acknowledge our sins and shortcomings, but they do not erase this beginning in wonder, love and welcome. Take a few moments today to let God’s love for you touch your heart.
People of St. Timothy, I am grateful that you seek to live out God’s deep love for you in your striving for justice and mercy in the world around you.
