 1 In those days, John the Baptist came proclaiming+ in the wilderness of Judea, 2 saying: Repent. For the Kingdom of Heaven is very near+. 3 For this is the one who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah who said: The voice of one crying in the wilderness: Prepare the way of the Lord. Make His paths straight. Isaiah 40:3 4 This same John had his clothing+ of camel's hair and a leather belt+ around+ his waist+. His food+ was locusts and wild honey. 5 Then went out to him Jerusalem and all Judea and all the region around+ the Jordan. 6 They were baptized by him in the Jordan, confessing their sins. 7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said to them: O generation of vipers, who has warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 8 Bring forth therefore fruits worthy+ of repentance. 9 Do not think to say within yourselves: We have Abraham as our father. For I say to you: God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham. 10 Now also the axe is laid to the root of the trees. Therefore, every tree that does not bring forth good fruit is to be cut+ down and cast into the fire. 11 I indeed baptize you with water for repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I. I am not worthy to carry+ His sandals+. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. 12 His fan is in His hand and He will thoroughly purge His floor and gather His wheat into the barn+. But He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire. 13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to Jordan to John, to be baptized by him. 14 But John forbad Him saying: I need to be baptized by you, and you come to me? 15 Jesus answering said to him: Allow it to be so now. For thus it becomes us to fulfill all righteousness. Then he allowed+ Him. 16 When He was baptized, Jesus came up immediately+ out of the water and lo the Heavens were opened to Him and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming+ upon Him. Isaiah 11:2 17 And behold, a voice from Heaven said: This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased. Psalm 2:7
|