Christmas Time: Saturday 2nd January, 2021 January 2, 2021
Reflection on the WORD
John the Baptist: In today’s Gospel, John the Baptist announced that he is not the Christ. But, affirmed that he is the prophet who is to prepare for the coming of Christ whom he is not fit even to serve as a slave. Are we as humble as John or do we draw attention to ourselves in what we do and how we live?
John 1:19-20, 23-28
This was the witness of John, when the Jews sent to him priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, ‘Who are you?’ He declared, he did not deny but declared, ‘I am not the Christ.’
He said, ‘I am, as Isaiah prophesied: A voice of one that cries in the desert: Prepare a way for the Lord. Make his paths straight!’ Now those who had been sent were Pharisees, and they put this question to him, ‘Why are you baptising if you are not the Christ, and not Elijah, and not the Prophet?’
John answered them, ‘I baptise with water; but standing among you - unknown to you - is the one who is coming after me; and I am not fit to undo the strap of his sandal.’ This happened at Bethany, on the far side of the Jordan, where John was baptising.
Today's Pointers on God's Word
As you read the passage what words, phases or meanings caught your attention?
- •John openly declared to the Jews that He was not Christ but the one chosen to prepare them for His coming. He thus considered himself unworthy even to “undo the strap of His sandal.”
- •To be a faithful and steadfast witness for Christ, we too must actively prepare others to know Him, not only by our words but concretely through deeds of love, compassion and peace with everyone.
- •Have you helped others to know God? How is Jesus challenging you to live your life for Him? Have you said “yes” to Him?