January 9, 2022 at 9:30am

Jesus’ baptism by John in the Jordan River was preparation for the difficult road ahead of him. The heavens opened, the Spirit descended like a dove, and a voice from heaven proclaimed: “You are my Son, the Beloved.” Even Jesus needed to hear those words, to be reminded he was beloved as he embarked on a challenging ministry. “You are my child, the beloved.” After his baptism, Jesus went out to repeat those words to everyone he met, and he calls us as his disciples to do the same, to remind each other of our true identity – beloved children of God.