A Simple Formula

In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And when he came up out of the water, immediately he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”
Mark 1:9–11
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A Simple Formula
The waters part as the Son emerges, a dove descends, and a voice is heard. The Holy Trinity is present at Baptism. And though this Baptism is different from ours, they are joined by the same simple formula of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, the water and the Word. And similarly it places a target upon the individual. The Father declares Jesus is His Son as the Spirit descends on Jesus. Jesus’ status as God’s Son makes Him a target of Satan’s assaults. This same dynamic continues in your life today, as Satan does all that he can to tempt you away from God. Yet, your own Baptism joins you to Christ and clothes you with His righteousness. May our Lord, who humbly stood in our stead when baptized by John and thereby gave us a share in His life, death, and resurrection, continue to keep us safe in our Baptismal promise. Let us celebrate our place in God’s family, obeying the Father, dwelling richly in the Spirit, and ever following Him.