In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.” Mark 1:9-11
These days when I hear the story of Jesus’ baptism, I like to imagine that I am there in the Jordan River being baptized with Jesus. I am standing there in the water dripping wet. I see the heavens open and the Holy Spirit descending upon me in the shape of a dove. And I hear the voice of God speaking to me, “You are my beloved child, in whom I am well pleased.” Wow! What an awesome realization to be loved and affirmed as the Beloved!
This is the wonder of baptism. Standing in the same place as Jesus stood, dripping wet with God’s grace. This is where the contemplative life calls us to return over and over. To return, to dwell and to serve from this place of being God’s Beloved.
Try repeating this mantra with your breath as part of your prayer time. Hear these words spoken to you by our loving God: “You are my son/daughter, the Beloved, with you I am well pleased.”
~ Paul