This Armenian miniature from 1386 illustrates the gospel of the feast of the Baptism of the Lord (Luke 3:15-16.21-22). Everything that is mentioned in the gospel reading can be seen: John the Baptist, Jesus who is baptized in the Jordan, the Holy Spirit who descended upon Jesus in the form of a dove. The voice from heaven is indicated by the hand outstretched in spoken gesture, pointing from the clouds to Jesus. You cannot see God, but you can hear His voice. God says: You are my beloved Son, in you I find joy. The same words were also heard from the ‘Servant of the Lord’, as we read in the first reading, from Isaiah (42:1-4.6-7). In the second reading, from Acts (10:34-38), Jesus is described after the model of the ‘Servant of the Lord’ from Isaiah. Both do the same kind of things: blind people open their eyes, go through the land well, everyone heals from the power of the devil. What Jesus heard is also meant for us, called to follow him. God also tells us: you are my beloved sons and daughters, all children of one Father, brothers and sisters of one another.
Pastor of this weekend: Peter van Dael SJ
