Gospel for January 6th

Gospel

This is what John the Baptist proclaimed:
“One mightier than I is coming after me.
I am not worthy to stoop and loosen the thongs of his sandals.
I have baptized you with water;
he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

It happened in those days that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee
and was baptized in the Jordan by John.
On coming up out of the water he saw the heavens being torn open
and the Spirit, like a dove, descending upon him.
And a voice came from the heavens,
“You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”

Comments:
John the Baptist said "One mightier than I is coming after me". The people must have been really amazed at the power that shown by John the Baptist. He surely was a great man. People came from all around to hear him speak. God gifts people with other people. It has always been this way. God sends messengers to his creation that He loves dearly.

Great speakers can capture an audience. Great speakers can hold entire populations of people in awe of their powerful speaking ability. But John was unique. He was humble with his gift. He realized that he was very small compared to the King that was coming. John was the fore-runner to the King. He was humble enough to realize that he was not worthy to stoop down and touch his sandals. John was also humble and resigned to God's will. He showed this when he was taken to prison. He was bold. He was brave. He was faithful. He was a martyr for faith in the Lord Jesus. Jesus said there was none born of women greater than John the Baptist, but the least in the Kingdom of God is greater than him.

John said that Jesus will baptize you with the Holy Spirit. Jesus sends the Holy Spirit to his followers. The Holy Spirit - The third person the the blessed Trinity. How mysterious is this teaching! John came proclaiming a baptism of repentance. Jesus gives a baptism of the Holy Spirit. A baptism of cleansing.