In the Mark 1:9-15 reading we have Jesus being baptized by John in the Jordan and God’s words of promise and affirmation “this is my beloved Son, and I am fully pleased with you”. The very next step though, was that Jesus then immediately was compelled by the Spirit, into the wilderness where he experienced a time of testing, and when it conclud- ed, “the fullness of God drew near.” (Mark 1:15)
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“I had the window seat again and have enjoyed the sights out my window – sea below, islands rising up out of the sea, cloud masses surrounding us like sea horses dancing in the sea / sky. The sunset and the now pitch black sky have been spectacular. As I see india emerging below – the blackness is spotted by segments of lighted towns and cities below like fairy lights and sparkling sequins in the distance.”
Ralph and Brad at the Red Fort, Delhi
My view from the outside and from a great height or distance was romantic and pretty, but when I landed in India and saw it from the ground and from a closer perspective, I found another view and this will shape my perspective as a Christian and as a person for the rest of my life. I consider our lives to be one of “life-long learning”. Jesus has something to teach us about how to live our lives in relation to each other and in relation to God. I want to honour and trust Jesus as I see HIM in the OTHER, whether that be an adult or a child, a woman or a man, someone from another country or someone from my own. Jesus came that we may have life and have it to share abundantly (John 10:10b)
