Fr Antonio Pineda
n this Sunday’s Gospel, Luke tells us that at Jesus’ baptism, “the Holy Spirit descended on” him (3:22). On that day, Jesus received the Spirit in a new way—a gift from God that would empower him and set him on the path of ministry, service, and ultimately death and resurrection. Though Jesus was already fully God, the Spirit of God still came upon him.
Luke also describes how, as the Spirit descended on him, the Father called out, “You are my Son, the Beloved; my favour rests on you” (Luke 3:22). He spoke directly to Jesus. He told him how delighted he was in his Son’s obedience, humility, and trust in him. Baptised, or immersed, in water, Jesus was also immersed in the Holy Spirit that day.
The same thing happens to us at our own baptism. When we are baptised, the Holy Spirit comes upon us, and God claims us as His beloved children as well. He enters into a new, unbreakable relationship with us, and we became a new creation in Christ (see Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1279).
But God isn’t content with filling us with His Spirit just once. Again and again, God wants to tell us, “You are my beloved child. I love you. I am pleased to have you in my family.” He wants to baptise us—immerse us—in His Spirit again and again so that we can be filled with His love and equipped for the work He has for us. Like Jesus, we are all born with a mission unique to each one of us and our baptism equips us for it.
It may have been many, many years ago that you were baptised, but God still wants to fill you with His Spirit. So don’t be afraid to ask for more: more of his love, and more of his power in your life.