The people were filled with expectation, and all were asking in their hearts whether John might be the Christ. John answered them all, saying, “I am baptizing you with water, but one mightier than I is coming. I am not worthy to loosen the thongs of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.”
After all the people had been baptized and Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit descended upon him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”
Gospel Trivia:
The baptism of Jesus is an account that is mentioned in all four gospels. (Note: each gospel is different in the events mentioned and sequence of these events because each gospel was written for a specific audience and for a specific purpose).
Each version of Jesus' baptism is different, indicating a different purpose for each gospel writer. In the case of Luke, his purpose is to mark a demarcation between:
- the Old Testament mindset (one's life should be based on the rigorous interpretation of and adherence to the laws handed by Moses and the prophets);
- and that of the New Testament (a life conforming to Jesus' definition of righteousness that is based on a relationship with the Father, and on love and forgiveness).
This demarcation is reflected in the following verses:
- "after all the people had been baptized" - indicating that the work of John the Baptist is finished
- "Jesus was praying" prior to the descent of the Holy Spirit - indicating that it is Jesus' prayer that invites divine intervention.
This is an important theme for Luke: praying is essentially a request for obtaining the Holy Spirit. Luke is the only evangelist that mentions the Holy Spirit descending in "bodily form" like a dove, to communicate that the Holy Spirit is a very real presence.
(Note: we are in Year C, and most of the gospels are from Luke.)
When praying, we pray for the Holy Spirit -- we see our petitions in a different light when we are filled with the Holy Spirit.
Reference:
- Nil Guillemette, SJ, A Kingdom for All (Manila: St. Paul Publications, 1988), pp. 27-298.
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