1/18/2026 (Sunday) Today’s Gospel reading: John 1:29-34
29 John the Baptist saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world.
30 He is the one of whom I said, ‘A man is coming after me who ranks ahead of me because he existed before me.’
31 I did not know him, but the reason why I came baptizing with water was that he might be made known to Israel.”
32 John testified further, saying, “I saw the Spirit come down like a dove from heaven and remain upon him.
33 I did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘On whomever you see the Spirit come down and remain, he is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’
34 Now I have seen and testified that he is the Son of God.”
1/18/2026 (Sunday) Today’s Gospel reflection / sermon / homily: John 1:29-34
In the opening moments of Jesus’ public ministry, two kinds of baptism are brought into focus, baptism with water and baptism with the Holy Spirit. These are not competing experiences, but deeply connected gifts that shape the life of every believer.
Baptism with water is a powerful outward sign of an inward decision. It represents repentance, humility, and the willingness to turn away from an old way of living. When a person steps into the water, they are declaring a desire for a clean start, an openness to change, and a readiness to align their life with God’s will. In everyday life, this kind of baptism reminds us that faith begins with honesty, acknowledging our need for renewal and choosing to walk in a new direction. It challenges us to regularly examine our lives, let go of habits that harm us or others, and live with integrity.
Yet water baptism, while meaningful, is not the end. John points beyond it to something greater: baptism with the Holy Spirit. This baptism speaks of God’s active presence dwelling within us, empowering us to live the life we are called to live. While water touches the body, the Holy Spirit transforms the heart. This is not just a one-time event, but an ongoing reality that shapes how we think, speak, and act.
In daily life, being baptized with the Holy Spirit means we do not walk alone. It means having inner strength when challenges arise, wisdom when decisions are unclear, and courage when faith is tested. It enables us to respond with patience instead of anger, compassion instead of judgment, and hope instead of fear. The Spirit helps us live out what water baptism symbolizes, that is, real change sustained from the inside out.
Together, these two baptisms offer a complete picture of Christian life. Water baptism marks the beginning of commitment; baptism with the Holy Spirit sustains that commitment. One calls us to obedience, the other empowers us to remain faithful. One is a public declaration; the other is a daily dependence.
In a world filled with noise, pressure, and uncertainty, these truths matter deeply. Water baptism reminds us who we belong to. Baptism with the Holy Spirit reminds us how to live. We are called not only to believe, but to be transformed so that we can live with purpose, grace, and courage.
As we reflect on these two baptisms, we are invited to renew our commitment: to walk humbly, to rely on God’s Spirit, and to live each day as a testimony that true transformation is possible when God works within us.
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