Jesus was “filled with the Holy Spirit.” Perhaps there have been moments when I felt filled by the Spirit: when I experienced the birth or first kick of my baby, an experience of awe and wonder in nature, an insight that changed or guided my life, communal praise singing, chanting, or dancing, silence, art, music, or creativity, prayer, or spiritual reading. Let us know God is in
all things, creation, and everyday experiences.
Why was Jesus experiencing being filled with the Spirit? Just before being led out to the desert, Jesus was baptised in Jordan by John the Baptist. As Jesus came out of the water, the Spirit descended, and the Father said, “This is my Son, the Beloved, in whom I am well pleased”. (Luke 3:21-22) How reassured the human Jesus must have felt. He carried this affirmation and recognition of
his identity into the desert. In this strength, Jesus faced the forty days of struggle and temptations of the devil.
God affirmed and gave Jesus an identity before he went into the desert. God is showing us that we have an identity and affirmation in God before we meet the temptations of life. We, too, are already worthy, beloved and chosen. Temptation is not a judgement test or God’s tick box. God creates us in love, for love, and to
love from the start. What is my sense of God – does it match this? Let’s listen to Jesus’ questions, “Who do people say I am?” and “Who do you say I am?” (Luke 16:19)
In coming to know God, we come to know ourselves. Now is the time to know ourselves, the selves God created in love, gave an identity to and affirmed. Who am I? Do I genuinely want to live as the person God sees? My life is not only about my vision or dream—it is the
dream and vision that God and I have together.
How does knowing I am already chosen and beloved affect my image of God and my sense of self?
Do I desire to live life more fully, be open to the future, allow myself to move towards healing this Lent, and have the freedom to live the life God gifted me?
Reflections by Kath Knowles
