“John answered, ‘I baptize you with water, but among stands the one you do not know. He is coming after me, but I am not good enough even to untie his sandals.’” (Jn 1:5)

 “John answered, ‘I baptize you with water, but among stands the one you do not know. He is coming after me, but I am not good enough even to untie his sandals.’” (Jn 1:5) 

Today’s Passages: Jn 1:19-28; 1Jn 2:22-28

Meditation: As we step into first days of the New Year 2015 with new hopes and aspirations, church exhorts us as to how should be our attitude to genuine Christian life. The holy mother church tells us that we should always be authentic in our words and deeds. This authenticity makes you tell either “yes” or “no.” The word of the Lord says, “Just say “Yes” or “No” – anything else you say comes from the Evil one.” (Mt 5:37) Today’s meditation verse is well connected to it.

In verses 20 and 21, thrice John the Baptist denies that he is not the Messiah which doesn't mean that he is indifferent to their questions. He immediately affirms who he really is; John answered by quoting the prophet Isaiah; “‘I am the voice of someone shouting in the desert; Make a straight path for the Lord to travel.’” (Jn 1:23) Both the negation as well as the affirmation is the result of his self realization “who he is” and “who the messiah is.” This is very clear from his further answer.

 

 “John answered, ‘I baptize you with water, but among stands the one you do not know. He is coming after me, but I am not good enough even to untie his sandals.’” (Jn 1:5) Sometimes in our ministries we lack this self awareness and take the other’s designation for our name and fame or for the approval of man. Then comes the temptation of denying the truth and follow our own will. This is a great danger in the life of a faithful.

John in his letter says, “Who then is the liar? It is anyone who says that Jesus is not the Messiah. Such a person is the enemy of Christ – he rejects both the father and the Son.” (1Jn 2:22) We find today some people who were enthusiastic in the preaching of the word of God in the retreat centers go astray from the true teachings and become liars only to become Antichrists. They somewhere, somehow forget “who they are” and “what they are.” If we want to become effective and useful disciples of Jesus, we have to have the awareness of John the Baptist.

  

Prayer: Lord God, we thank you and praise you for your daily eternal bread and especially for the 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 Friday!