“‘I have seen it,’” said John, ‘and I tell you that he is the Son of God.’”(Jn 1:34)

“‘I have seen it,’” said John, ‘and I tell you that he is the Son of God.’”(Jn 1:34) 

Today’s Passages: Jn 1:29-34; 1Jn 2:29-3:6

Meditation: The Christmas season continues to walk along with us by means of its message of call for an authentic witness and Christian life. The child born of the Blessed Virgin Mary in manger has to be grown in and through us. It is not enough that he has decided to be with us, to become Emmanuel, but we have to be with him. How is it possible? Jesus says, “Whoever loves me will obey my teaching. My father will love him; my Father and I will come to him and live with him.” (Jn 14:23)

John in his letter says, “Whoever sins is guilty of breaking God’s law, because sin is breaking of the law.” (1Jn 3:4) Therefore, abiding, in and with Christ, first makes each one of us free from all sins. “So everyone who lives in union with Christ does not continue to sin; but whoever continues to sin has never seen him or known him.” (1Jn 3:6) Abiding in Christ and keeping ourselves free from sin are to be complemented in its real sense.

Once you are free from sin and abiding with the Lord, Emmanuel, then, second, your witness to Jesus Christ will be authentic. Today’s meditation verse is the manifestation of this very fact. “‘I have seen it,’” said John, ‘and I tell you that he is the Son of God.’”(Jn 1:34) Are we really nourished and enriched by the Christmas celebration? Are we able to proclaim that infant Jesus in the manger is our savior and redeemer?

Finally, the faith life and moral life (life of Ten Commandments) are not different ones; but it is two sides of the same coin. Unless and until they are so, our evangelization won’t be “attractive” and effective. St. Paul preached the gospel “by attraction” for his life was in and for Christ. People listened to him when proclaimed, “Who, then, can separate us from the love of Christ? Can trouble do it, or hardship or persecution or hunger or poverty or danger or death?” (Rom 8:35)

The most debated “Ghar vapasi” –returning home- is to be considered also as a test or challenge to the Christians; to examine ourselves as to whether we are authentic Christians or not. St. Paul says, “Examine yourselves to see whether you are living in faith. Test yourselves. Do you not realize that Jesus Christ is in you? – Unless, of course, you fail the test. I hope you will discover that you have not failed.” (1Cor 13:5, 6) Wish you a happy journey in and with Jesus in this New Year! 

             

Prayer: Lord God, we thank you and praise you for your daily eternal bread and especially for the Christmas season and New Year of 2015. Throughout this year, both in positives and negatives, we know that you are with us; guiding and protecting. Give us, O Lord, your Spirit that we may become authentic Christians and be able to give genuine witness to you like John the Baptist. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen!

Greetings: God is with you! Have a blissful Saturday!