The Baptism and temptation of Jesus: Mark 1:9-13
Imaginative Contemplation
Jesus came to be baptised by John the Baptist in the desert. What had motivated Jesus to ask for baptism? How did he feel as he came to the River Jordon? What was John’s reaction to his request?
No sooner had he come up out of the water than he saw the heavens tore apart and the Spirit descending upon him. “This is my son, the beloved. My Spirit rests on him.”
How did Jesus feel when he heard this? Did John the Baptisthear the voice, too? How did John feel as Jesus approached him?
How did Jesus feel when he heard the voice?
Immediately, the Spirit drove Jesus out into the desert. He was tempted by Satan. He had to deal with wild animals for forty days.
What drove Jesus into the desert? When have I felt ‘driven’?Has this been a good or a not so good experience?
We all experience temptations. We can either resist or Sur come to them. Here Jesus shows us how to resist them calmly. Do I ask God’s help to overcome my temptations?
Enter into the scene
Jesus travelled from Galilee to the River Jordan to be baptised by John. As he came up out of the water, he saw heaven opening and the Spirit coming down on him like a dove. A voice came from Heaven, “You are my own dear Son. I am pleased with you.”
Not long after this, I met Jesus coming along the road. He looked very tired and worn, but there was a peace about him which he always seemed to radiate. “How are you?” I asked. “I haven’t seen you for a while.” “No,” said Jesus, sitting down on a rock by the roadside and inviting me to do the same. “It is good to see you, Miriam. We have shared a lot over the years, so I will tell you what has been happening in my life these last few weeks.
I heard that John was baptising at the river, and an inner urge told me to go to him. I joined the people who were being baptised, and then something extraordinary happened. I saw the sky open and what looked like a dove came and rested on me. Surely this was God’s Spirit. Then my Father spoke to me.‘You are my own, dear Son. I am pleased with you.’ I was overwhelmed with awe and a deep peace, something I have never experienced before.
The same inner urging which had brought me to John now compelled me to go into the wilderness. Oh my Father, where are you? I felt alone and vulnerable, the prey of wild animals. Fear swept over me. I knew what it was like to be tempted. Where was my Father now? Then angels came and helped me, good people who offered me food and shelter. I am so grateful to them.”
There was silence for a time, then he said, “I felt so confident after the baptism. Then the trials came. Miriam, we have to live with this swing between consolation and desolation. We need to be open to the power and help of the Holy Spirit. Thanks for listening to me. I know you will hold our conversation as just for us.”
I was overwhelmed with admiration for this wonderful person.
For further reflection
Discuss with Jesus the following points:
Can I recall a time of consolation when everything seemed to be going so well? How did I feel? How did I act?
Can I recall a time in my life when everything seemed to be going wrong. How did I feel? What did I do?
Do I have someone I can talk to when things seem difficult?
In times of desolation, do I pray for insight and peace?
Can I support and encourage other people when they are going through a difficult time?
Prayer
Lord, help me to live in the present moment, realising that difficult times, as well as easy ones, will pass. But you are always with me. Your name is “I AM”. Thank you! Amen.