Weekly Reflection

It appears that the Gospel of Luke is less interested in Jesus’ baptism than what immediately follows. Luke attempts to describe what is happening interiorly as Jesus prays by noting the Holy Spirit descending upon him and a voice speaking directly to him. Authentic prayer, in whatever form it takes, is always a combination of affirmation and challenge. In this moment, Jesus feels the presence of the Holy Spirit and hears that he is God’s beloved son, but in the very next moment, the Spirit will lead Jesus into the wilderness for 40 days to test his commitment to that identity.

At every important moment in his ministry, Jesus withdraws from the crowd to be alone to pray, and Luke seems to suggest that his Christian readership should do likewise. Quiet listening can feel uncomfortable, but is necessary to hear God’s voice over the distracting utterances of cultural and religious expectations. LGBTQ+ Christians can be confident that if they listen in prayerful silence, they will hear God claim them as beloved. To take up the challenge that is sure to follow—whether to improve self, society, or church—is to hear yet another affirmation: “with you I am well pleased.”