Unlike the nativity scenes of Matthew or Luke, Mark’s Gospel begins with the baptism of Jesus at the
Jordan. Out of this seminal experience, the teaching, healing and feeding ministry of Jesus begins.
The beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
As it is written in the prophet Isaiah,
‘See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way;
the voice of one crying out in the wilderness:
“Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight,” ’
John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness
of sins. And people from the whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were going out
to him, and were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. Now John was clothed with
camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. He proclaimed,
“The one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the
thong of his sandals. I have baptized you with water; but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”
In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And just
as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a
dove on him. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well
pleased.”