Unveiling the Secrets of the Holy Spirit: Pope Francis Reflects on Jesus’ Baptism

During his weekly General Audience, Pope Francis delved deeper into the mysteries of the Holy Spirit, focusing this week on the pivotal moment of Jesus’ Baptism and the anointing of the Son of God.

By Deborah Castellano Lubov

According to Pope Francis, Jesus’ Baptism signifies a crucial moment of Revelation and salvation history. He emphasized the significance of the descent of the Holy Spirit upon Jesus at the River Jordan during his catechesis on the Holy Spirit.

“It would do us well to re-read this Gospel passage,” the Holy Father encouraged the audience, highlighting that this event reveals Jesus as the beloved Son of the Father, anointed by the Spirit at the beginning of His public ministry.

As the Messiah, Priest, Prophet, and King, Jesus bestows the Spirit upon us, the members of His mystical Body, the Church. Through Baptism, each of us is anointed with the perfumed oil of chrism as a symbol of sharing in Christ’s life and spreading His saving presence in the world.

Pope Francis explained how the anointing makes us fragrant, symbolizing the spiritual scent that permeates a person who lives joyfully in their anointment, making the Church, community, and family fragrant as well.

Sin and the Importance of Virtue

The Pope also cautioned against the dangers of sin, which can lead Christians astray and distance them from Jesus. Sin, he emphasized, can transform us into “bad oil,” highlighting the importance of pursuing joy and virtue in our lives.

Encouraging the faithful to embody the virtues mentioned by St. Paul in his letter to the Galatians, Pope Francis invited everyone to become more aware of and empowered by the anointment of the Lord’s Spirit.

For the full remarks of Pope Francis, you can visit the Vatican website.