comes after me, who is already ahead of me, for he was before me. I myself did not know him,
but I came baptizing to prepare for him, so that he might be revealed in Israel.” And John also
gave this testimony, “I saw the Spirit coming down on him, like a dove from heaven, and resting
on him. I myself did not know him, but God, who sent me to baptize, told me, ‘You will see the
Spirit coming down, and resting on the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’ Yes, I have seen!
And I declare that this is the Chosen One of God!”
Reflect
"Bear witness to God's goodness." Despite all our struggles in life, we are challenged to bear
witness to God’s goodness. The good sense of self-knowledge that we have should humble
us, enabling us to see our imperfections and our need of God’s guidance. Only when we are
Spirit-driven are we able bear witness to God’s goodness in the world. The Holy Spirit guides
and helps us to become better persons, empowering us to concretize God’s goodness and
manifest it in our everyday life. Today’s Gospel narrates that Jesus is the one who baptizes with
the Holy Spirit. In the Gospel of John, Jesus promises the sending of the Holy Spirit upon his
disciples so that even after Jesus’ earthly life, the disciples will not be left orphans and will
never be separated from God while they are still in the world. Through the help and guidance
of the Holy Spirit, we shall understand the wonderful things Jesus has done, believe in him
and, in believing, have life in his name. May God’s goodness be made manifest in us every
time we call on the Holy Name of Jesus. May we bear witness to a life that is Spirit-driven.
© Copyright Bible Diary 2024