Gospel: Mk 1:7-11 (or Lk 3:23-38)
John the Baptist preached to the people, saying, “After me comes one who is more powerful than I am; I have baptized you with water, but he will baptize you in the Holy Spirit.”
At that time, Jesus came from Nazareth, a town of Galilee, and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And the moment he came up out of the water, heaven opened before him, and he saw the Spirit coming down on him like a dove. And these words were heard from heaven, “You are my Son, the Beloved, the One I have chosen.”
Reflections
YOU HAVE ETERNAL LIFE
The most valuable, most important reality in this world is LIFE! Everything else is of less value than life. It is God’s greatest gift to us. Have we ever wondered why, with the infinite number of possible beings, we are the ones who has been given this most precious gift – life? From the moment we wake up we encounter the blessings of life — the sunshine shi ning through our window, the water that refreshes us as we shower, the smile of loved ones as they greet us at the breakfast table, the garden outside your door where you can smell the flowers, admire the butterflies, shelter under the trees. Even the trials, the pains, the sufferings, the challenges that we encounter in life intensify the wonder of life.
It is also true, however, that the surest thing in life is death! Everyone who is born will die. Yes, you and me also. Sooner or later. It is our most natural instinct to shrink from death and to cling to life. And so God gave us a greater gift – ETERNAL LIFE. We cannot actually imagine what this means — in spite of all the stories of near-death experiences we have read. As for myself, I have stopped speculating or imagining what it would be. What I am convinced of – is that after my death, I WILL BE WITH GOD. How that will be, I don’t know. I will let myself be pleasantly surprised.
Meanwhile I am thankful to be alive. I live my life to the full and with joy!
Daily Reflection 2018
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