Comparing the way the different gospel writers report the same incident can be very instructive. For example, when St. Mark reports on the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist it is Jesus himself who sees the dove and hears the voice. When Matthew and Luke report on the same incident the crowd hears the voice and sees the dove. The Fourth Gospel has the Baptist describe the scene as something that happened to him: “I saw the Spirit come down like a dove from the sky and remain upon him.” Each gospel writer tells the story in a way that makes sense to him. What a good reminder that everyone experiences things differently. My perspective is enriched when I compare it with others.
