Lenten Reflection - Mark 1:1-13 by Patty Ely
Event Time: Feb 15 at 12:00 am
“The beginning of the good news about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God, as it is written in Isaiah the prophet: “I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way 3 “a voice of one calling in the wilderness, 'Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.'" 4 And so John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 5 The whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem went out to him. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River. 6 John wore clothing made of camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. 7 And this was his message: “After me comes the one more powerful than I, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. 8 I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” 9 At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan.10 Just as Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. 11 And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son,whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” 12 At once the Spirit sent him out into the wilderness, 13 and he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and angels attended him.” Mark 1:1-13
John preached about a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. He heard confessions and baptized/cleansed with water in preparation and readiness for the one more powerful. Jesus was baptized by John and immediately the Holy spirit descended upon Jesus to prepare him to resist the trials of temptation and also prepare him for public ministry.
Our baptisms mark us as Christ’s own forever. Baptism prepares each of us to be one with God. And baptism with the Holy Spirit prepares and empowers us for our service and ministry.
We will forgive others and we will forgive ourselves as we offer not only our failures but also our thanksgivings to God. Prepare your heart, share your thoughts and be the loving and forgiving reflection of the face of God.
Be the angel who attends.