Reflection on Sunday’s Gospel

The baptism of Jesus in the gospel of Mark serves as a revelation of the identity of Jesus. Throughout this gospel there is secrecy about who Jesus really is. Whenever a person’s faith reveals that Jesus is the Messiah or the Son of God, Jesus commands them to remain silent and not tell anyone else about him. However, through the baptism event, the reader is let in to the secret from the outset. Unlike the public announcements of Jesus as the beloved Son of God that occurs in other gospels, in
the gospel of Mark, the voice is addressed to Jesus himself and there is no indication that anyone else hears it. The words used are, ‘You are my Son’ not, ‘This is my Son.’ But the reader is placed in the privileged position of knowing the truth about Jesus from the very beginning of the gospel. As they read further, they observe the disciples’ growing yet imperfect understanding of this truth.

John the Baptist serves another particular function in the gospel story. Aside from fulfilling scriptural prophecy by proclaiming the one who is to come, he provides a point of contrast with Jesus. In many ways, John represents the Jewish religious belief of the time. For John, baptism is a ritual of purifying and forgiveness of sin that can be administered as often as required. The way to God is through strict observance of the Law and through ritual acts of prayer and purification. For Jesus though, the way to God is through love and through Jesus himself. The baptism that Jesus will give is a baptismof the Spirit – pouring out the Spirit on those who realise and accept the love of God in their lives.

By Greg Sunter (Liturgyhelp.com)