“You will see the Spirit come down and stay on a man; he is the one who baptises with the Holy Spirit.”  (John 1:31)

John 1:29-34

God told John that he would see the Spirit come down and stay on a man and that this man would be the one to baptise people with the Holy Spirit. That man would be Jesus, the Lamb and Son of God.

The word “spirit” has many meanings in various contexts and cultures. In this passage, the Holy Spirit refers to the part of man (Jesus) that connects and communicates with God. Other meanings are associated with groups of people, viz. team spirit, a spirit of generosity, in good spirit. People also relate to having a spiritual life or embarking on a spiritual journey, where a spirit is a form of supernatural being or non-physical manifestation.

In the case of Christians, the Holy Spirit connects us to and allows for an eternal relationship with God. The Holy Spirit brings us the gifts of wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, faithfulness and fear of the Lord. The Holy Spirit leads us and tells us what is yet to come, God’s power in action. John recognised the Holy Spirit in Jesus and with God’s help we can recognise the Spirit that is given freely to all, in others.

The invitation today is to identify the works and gifts of the Holy Spirit in your life. 
 

Lord,

John baptised people with water and Jesus baptised people with the Holy Spirit. Thank you that I have been baptised with both. I ask for the grace to identify the Holy Spirit within and ask that the gifts are bestowed on me. May others recognise the Holy Spirit in me and may I recognise the Holy Spirit in others. 

 Amen.