Heavens Being Torn Open January 6

Who indeed is the victor over the world but the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? 1 John 5:5

On coming up out of the water he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit, like a dove, descending upon him. And a voice came from the heavens, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.” Mark 1:11

Piety

Let us pray: Jesus, continue to take down the barriers in our lives that separate us from each other and from your love. Help us to accept the responsibilities of our baptism. Grant us peace in our borders. Drive us not into the desert but into the world to reach out in love to others who truly need help. Amen.

Study

http://www.usccb.org/nab/010607.shtml

Jesus needs baptism to help the people identify with him and him with the people. To be accepted in his community, Jesus needed to go through the same rites of initiation as the other members of his community. But his baptism is unlike any others. The heavens are torn open and the Holy Spirit descends upon Him.

At the end of his ministry, right after Jesus breathes his last breath, we learn that “The veil of the sanctuary was torn in two from top to bottom.” Mark 15:38

What are we to make of this tearing that accompanies the beginning and end of Jesus’ public ministry?

Barriers are being removed by Jesus. First, heaven is being opened up as a possibility once again. The key to being able to attain heaven is through having faith in Jesus and his mission. Second, God is accessible to us, his children once again. We are no longer “locked out” like teenagers who missed getting home by curfew. Through birth, people have the promise of heaven – everlasting life. Because of Jesus’ death, all people have access to the presence of God in their lives.

Through the life-giving baptism with the Holy Spirit, Jesus removed barriers (sin and evil) which used to get in the way of our relationship with God. But first Jesus identifies himself with the people of Israel in submitting to John's baptism of repentance and in bearing on their behalf the burden of God's decisive judgment. As in the desert of Sinai in the Exodus story, so here in the wilderness of Judea, Israel's sonship with God is to be renewed.

God’s approval of Jesus is seen in the declaration, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.” Later during the Transfiguration narratives, God adds the commandment, “Listen to him.”

Action

What barriers have you erected that keep you apart from other people?

What barriers have you erected that keep God out of your life or parts of your life?

What one barrier can you work to remove this week?