Matthew 4: 1-11

In the New Testament, the Greek word baptizein means to dip or to plunge. The Acts of the Apostles indicates that a laying-on of hands after the water rite was associated with the conferral of the Holy Spirit (8:14-20; 19:6).

In the Old Testament the prophets announced that the Spirit of the Lord would rest on the hoped-for Messiah for his saving mission. Jesus asserts that this promise is now fulfilled in him. The descent of the Holy Spirit on Jesus at his baptism by John was the sign that he is the Messiah, the ‘one who is to come.' He was conceived by the Holy Spirit; his whole life and mission are carried out in total communion with the Holy Spirit whom the Father gives without measure.

The Hebrew word ‘Messiah' means ‘anointed one'. It is translated as ‘Christos' in Greek. Christ means ‘anointed one' and Christians are the ‘anointed ones' who share in the messianic mission of Christ. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, we who are reborn in the waters of baptism are anointed to proclaim the kingdom of God. The anointing ‘Christifies' those who receive it as it bestows the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Also, on www.synod.ie, see ‘Baptised and Sent in Lent' - an accessible and easily led prayer resource for groups and families with the Sunday Gospels during Lent.