Wednesday Before Epiphany
1st Reading: 1Jn 3:7-10
Children, let no one deceive you. The person who acts in righteousness is righteous, just as he is righteous. Whoever sins belongs to the Devil, because the Devil has sinned from the beginning. Indeed, the Son of God was revealed to destroy the works of the Devil. No one who is begotten by God commits sin, because God’s seed remains in him; he cannot sin because he is begotten by God. In this way, the children of God and the children of the Devil are made plain; no one who fails to act in righteousness belongs to God, nor anyone who does not love his brother.
Gospel: Jn 1:35-42
John was standing with two of his disciples, and as he watched Jesus walk by, he said, “Behold, the Lamb of God.” The two disciples heard what he said and followed Jesus. Jesus turned and saw them following him and said to them, “What are you looking for?” They said to him, “Rabbi” (which translated means Teacher), “where are you staying?” He said to them, “Come, and you will see.” So they went and saw where he was staying, and they stayed with him that day. It was about four in the afternoon. Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter, was one of the two who heard John and followed Jesus. He first found his own brother Simon and told him, “We have found the Messiah,” which is translated Christ. Then he brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon the son of John; you will be called Cephas,” which is translated Peter.
What are you looking for?: The Gospel presents us John the Baptist who would now willingly retreat to the backstage, having pointed out to his disciples “the Lamb of God.” And then comes a life-changing moment when his disciples leave him and follow Jesus. Jesus turns and asks them: “What are you looking for?” It is like Jesus was inviting them to search their motives and motivations. Why would they abandon their master to follow him? Being in touch with the motivations of our choices and decisions might be helpful in the constant process of purifying our intentions. Despite seeing all the attractions of the world, we Christians opt for Christ because we know that it is him our hearts yearn for and only him can satisfy our thirst. Knowing this will help us stick with him especially when the going gets tough.
Prayer: Lord, we thank you for the many people who like John have helped us come closer to you. Grant us the fulfilment that comes from encounter with you. Amen
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FEEL THE PRESENCE: The Liturgy of the Word during Christmastide reveals more and more to us that Jesus Christ is Messiah and through him the world is saved from sin and corruption. Jesus gave an open invitation not only to disciples but to whole mankind throughout the ages even producing at different times and situations. Only those who feel his presence can experience Him and know how good He is. Once a professor was at his class took an apple and ate before the students questioned, ‘what was the taste of the apple I ate just now?’ No one answered. He said, ‘only I know it because I tasted it.’ To experience Jesus, we need to empty ourselves and go with an open heart. If we give more importance to business than to the Lord, then we fail to receive His calling and accept Him. If we receive Jesus with an open heart, surely there is no turning back!
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MAN FOR ALL SEASONS! He who said, foxes have their holes, birds have nests but the Son of man has no place to lay down his head, also invites the seekers to stay with him. He is God who invites his people to experience His close proximity as he shelters them in His abode. When the inquisitive one stayed, he discovered the “Messiah” who till now was just a “Rabbi”. It took just an evening’s stay to find the Messiah! Like St Augustine, this discovery requires a heart that does not find rest unless in Him; a heart that is ever on the lookout for that Messiah. Andrew, was not just that fervent seeker but a beacon light. He led his brother Peter to the Messiah. We need to constantly desire for the presence of the Messiah. This is the true meaning of being missionaries; being just to our Christian calling. What is holding us back from living the essential meaning of being a Christian, a missionary, an ambassador of Jesus?
DAILY GOSPEL 