This is the testimony of John. When the Jews from Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to himto 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.
REFLECTION
“Who are you?”
What would my reaction be if asked by God, "Who are you?" When one greets a friend, you expect words of joy, happiness, compassion, mercy and above all a "Welcome!! I am so happy you are here. Happy to see you."
This new year brings much hope especially with the Year of the Jubilee. Feel free to ask yourself... Who are you? What have you become? What have you done this past year? What will you do this year to spread the love of God?
We look forward to a year free from pain, worries, debt, full of flourish and happiness. All these are material things. Is that what we want for the New Year? All these are good things to want. However, best to not let them steer us away from the joys and love of God, never putting Him aside for the material things we want. Sanctification is what we should aspire for. Through the sacrament of Penance we can immediately restart on our efforts to reach God, always turning to Him in prayer, performing corporal and spiritual Works of Mercy, fasting from food and from social media. Many unique ways to serve the Lord.
This special year of Hope, work to be a beacon of hope for others so when the day comes that we are to meet the Lord, may we be welcomed with loving arms.
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