The Holy Gospel according to John (Jn 1:19-28)
This is the testimony of John. When the Jews from Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to him to ask him, “Who are you?” he admitted and did not deny it, but admitted, “I am not the Christ.” So, they asked him, “What are you then? Are you Elijah?” And he said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” He answered, “No.” So they said to him, “Who are you, so we can give an answer to those who sent us? What do you have to say for yourself?”
He said: “I am the voice of one crying out in the desert, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord,’ as Isaiah the prophet said.” Some Pharisees were also sent. They asked him, “Why then do you baptize if you are not the Christ or Elijah or the Prophet?” John answered them, “I baptize with water; but there is one among you whom you do not recognize, the one who is coming after me, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to untie.” This happened in Bethany across the Jordan, where John was baptizing.
The Gospel of the Lord
Reflection:
Mother Church constantly reminds us of our baptism. Every time we enter a church, we find a stoup where we may immerse our finger in Holy Water and bless yourselves. Likewise, there is the baptismal font itself located in a prominent place for all to see. And, in certain liturgies, we will receive the “Sprinkling” as part of the Introductory Rite (i.e., Confirmation).
In the wisdom of our faith, Mother Church always exhorts us to exercise our baptismal titles: King, Prophet and Priest! Today’s message is another reminder of these baptismal titles and how important they are for our salvation. In particular today, we are focusing on our title of prophet.
Prophet means “to speak in behalf of”. For us, it means to “speak in behalf of God”. That is why we often hear prophets in the Bible start with the phrase “Thus God says…”. They are simply vessels of God’s word; instruments to transmit His will onto us. In a greater sense, every saint, as willing instruments of God, they transmit God’s word through speech and actions.
As the author of one of the four Gospels, three Epistle and the Book of the Revelation it is obvious that St. John speaks in behalf of God (then and today). But it is important to acknowledge that St. John also transmitted God’s will through the way he lived his life. St. John, in the first reading, encourages us to not just profess faith in Jesus as the Christ but to live our lives in accord to that faith.
Today we hear of John the Baptist and St. John, two of the greatest prophets. The first spoke on behalf of God at the beginning of Jesus’ ministry while the second did so soon after his ascension. John the Baptist’s principal message was to testify that a prophet greater than he was coming after him, …whose sandal strap he was not worthy to untie. St. John’s main message was to let the world know that the Word-of-God itself was made flesh and had spoken to the world. And the Word-of-God is showing us the way back to God through the promise of eternal life to those who are faithful to him.
To all of us who have been baptized as Christians, that promised of eternal life is that much closer of becoming a reality. However, to attain that promise of eternal life, includes fully live out our character as prophet. Like John the Baptist and St. John, today we are invited to “Speak in behalf of God” every day and at every opportune moment, not just with words but with our daily actions.
Action for the Day:
Happy New Year 2025! Many of us may be in the process of making goals for this year: some long-term and others short-term. However, to achieve lasting changes it is best if we start with small and attainable goals. So, today, as a way to start the year off to a good start, you are invited to intentionally find an opportunity today to exercise your character as prophet; to speak-in-behalf of God. Call someone who you know needs a word of encouragement. Visit someone who is lonely, like the elder neighbor across the street or across town. Set electronic devices aside for just 10 minutes and start a heart-to-heart conversation with a family member or friend.
Audio Reflection:
Link to D5 Website: https://deacon5.com/