Today we read of Jesus being baptized by John the Baptist. Every time I bless myself with holy water I remember my own baptism, hearing in my heart the words of the Father saying to me what He said to Jesus: “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased” (Mark 1:11). Today is an awesome day—and not just because it is my birthday! It is an awesome day because we can choose to surrender to God and both possess and be possessed by Jesus, our Lord, who loves us. 

Let us thank God for the day we were born. Let us thank God for the day we surrendered our addictions and unhealthy attachments to Him. And, as today’s Gospel reading reminds us, let us thank God for our baptism into our beautiful Catholic faith.

Reflection Questions

• What are you willing to surrender to “possess” Jesus and gain eternal life? What steps can you take today to surrender these to Him?
• What actions do you regularly take to ensure you remain in Jesus as you continue on your recovery journey?

Daily Mass Readings

First Reading: 1 John 5:5-13
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 147:12-13, 14-15, 19-20
Gospel: Mark 1:7-11 or Luke 3:23-38 or Luke 3:23, 31-34, 36, 38

Reflection by Marty T.