Readings for the Day:
Genesis 1:1-5: Out of chaos, God brings order. Out of the formless void, God brings light. This familiar story was good news for the Israelites, who experienced much chaos in their history. It remains good news for us. God created and continues to create new life.
Acts 19:1-7: In Ephesus Paul encounters people who had received John’s baptism of repentance but had never heard of the Holy Spirit or of baptism in the name of Jesus. After Paul baptizes them, the Holy Spirit comes upon them and empowers them with gifts of the Spirit.
Mark 1:4-11: Mark’s gospel reports the story of Jesus’ baptism with some irony: the one on whom the Spirit descends is himself the one who will baptize others with the Holy Spirit.
‘From Sunday & Seasons, copyright 2023 Augsburg Fortress’
Questions To Ponder:
1— How does learning that the Hebrew word for wind/spirit/breath is all the same word? (Genesis 1)
2—How do you experience the Holy Spirit? (Acts 19:1-7)
3—How do you feel the Spirit driving you into the wilderness? (Mark 1:4-11)
4—How do these texts speak to you today?
Prayer: Holy God, creator of light and giver of goodness, your voice moves over the waters. Immerse us in your grace, and transform us by your Spirit, that we may follow after your Son, Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord. Amen.