Baptism of the Lord, Monday – 8th January 2024 — Mk 1,7-11
Tearing of Obstacles
Today we continue the great celebration of the ‘third epiphany’ of the Lord in Jesus Christ. Jesus is now an adult, probably about 30 years of age. All the four Gospels narrate Jesus’ baptism in the River Jordan by John the Baptist. The most unique aspect of Mark’s account is how he says that the heavens were torn open when Jesus rose up from the waters. Mark will use the same verb “to rip or tear open” at Jesus’ crucifixion when the veil of the Temple was torn open from top to bottom. Jesus’ death on the Cross opens the way to paradise for humanity. Seen together, these two tearing events symbolize that the obstacle separating humanity from God has been removed.
Jesus’ baptism in Jordan was a powerful anticipation of His death and resurrection. He was plunged into the water by John and this symbolized his death and burial. When he emerges from the water and rises up out of it, it symbolizes His resurrection on the third day. At Jesus’ baptism, the Holy Spirit descends like a dove upon Him. At His crucifixion, the Holy Spirit, symbolized by the water, is poured out from His side upon humanity. In both instances, God miraculously tore apart the barrier between heaven and earth through his Son, Jesus Christ, a channel of grace for humanity to have access to His heavenly glory.
