At the beginning of each year, we envision goals and dreams for ourselves. We make plans to have better health, financial growth, career promotion, business expansion, and more. That’s good. I pray the same for you and me. But let our pursuit of a greater self be not just for ourselves.

John the Baptist’s life reminds us that the pursuit of a greater self is realized by being selfless. When he was asked about his identity, he replied, “I am the voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way for the Lord.’” In other words, he was saying, “I lay down my life as a path that points people to Jesus.” By doing so, he lived a purposeful, impactful, and full life despite persecution.

My friend, let’s consider making this year not our year, but a year for the Lord. By serving, giving, sharing, leading, and caring—a year in our lives becomes a pathway for people to walk closer to the Savior. And in doing so, we will experience a year of the Lord’s favor. 

Mike Viñas (mikemichaelfcv@yahoo.com)

reflect

What would your life look like if you made it less about yourself?

Lord Jesus, hard as it may be, help me to live for You and discover how such a life leads to the fulfillment of greater goals, dreams, and plans You desire for me.

Sts. Basil the Great and Gregory Nazianzen, bishops and Doctors of the Church, pray for us.

The Greek word "menai," which means “remain,” can also be translated as “abide” and “rest.” The kind of “remaining” that John refers to in his exhortation is a state in which our hearts rest and abide within the heart of Jesus. Pope Francis reminds us that opening our hearts to Jesus is essential for our humanity. In his encyclical, Dilexit Nos, the heart plays a central role in opening us to the work of God’s love and fostering a concern for others.

²² Beloved: Who is the liar? Whoever denies that Jesus is the Christ. Whoever denies the Father and the Son, this is the antichrist. 23 Anyone who denies the Son does not have the Father, but whoever confesses the Son has the Father as well. ²⁴ Let what you heard from the beginning remain in you. If what you heard from the beginning remains in you, then you will remain in the Son and in the Father. ²⁵ And this is the promise that he made us: eternal life. ²⁶ I write you these things about those who would deceive you. ²⁷ As for you, the anointing that you received from him remains in you, so that you do not need anyone to teach you. But his anointing teaches you about everything and is true and not false; just as it taught you, remain in him. ²⁸ And now, children, remain in him, so that when he appears we may have confidence and not be put to shame by him at his coming.   

Responsorial Psalm | Psalm 98:1, 2-3, 3-4

R: All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.

¹ Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done wondrous deeds; his right hand has won victory for him, his holy arm.  b ² The Lord has made his salvation known: in the sight of the nations he has revealed his justice. ³ He has remembered his kindness and his faithfulness toward the house of Israel. (R) All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation by our God. ⁴ Sing joyfully to the Lord, all you lands; break into song; sing praise. (R) 

Gospel | John 1:19-28

John the Baptist takes to great pains to ensure that people see him as the one preparing the way for the coming Messiah. This is how we should see ourselves. We must assist others in opening their hearts to Jesus as Savior and Lord. The Messiah has come and brought us salvation. Let us be one with the Holy Spirit in helping open people’s lives to this truth.

Gospel Acclamation

In times past, God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets: in these last days, he has spoken to us through his Son.

¹⁹ This is the testimony of John. When the Jews from Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to him to ask him, “Who are you?” ²⁰ 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.” ²² 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?” ²³ 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.” ²⁴ Some Pharisees were also sent. ²⁵ They asked him, “Why then do you baptize if you are not the Christ or Elijah or the Prophet?” ²⁶ John answered them, “I baptize with water; but there is one among you whom you do not recognize, ²⁷ the one who is coming after me, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to untie.” ²⁸ This happened in Bethany across the Jordan, where John was baptizing.

Read the Bible in one year! Read JOHN 5 - 8 today.

One day, my priest friends and I ate at our favorite lunch place. When we asked for the bill, the waitress told us, “A lady saw your group come in and was inspired by what she saw—a group of men bowing your heads, making the sign of the cross, and praying before your meal. I told her I know you all as priests, and she volunteered to pay for your bill.”

A silent testimony is powerful. A simple act of faith inspires. A simple sign of the cross, made in sincerity, can awaken in another an awareness of God, a sensitivity to the Divine. Today’s readings are a call to that witness and testimony. 

In the First Reading, one who denies that Jesus is the Christ is called a liar and an anti-Christ. In the Gospel, John the Baptist’s life witnessed so eloquently to Christ that he had to say three times that he was not the Christ, for he was mistaken to be the awaited Messiah.

The Philippines today remains a robust Catholic nation. Filipino priests are sent as missionaries throughout the world. Our OFWs are known as household missionaries. But let us not be complacent. Recent surveys, especially among the young, reveal the emergence of the “nones,” i.e., those who identify themselves as having no religion or no formal religious affiliation. But we can win them back by reasoned evangelization. How?

Know your faith. As Peter challenged us in the Scriptures, “Always be prepared to make a defense to anyone who calls you to account for the hope that is in you, yet do it with gentleness and reverence” (1 Peter 3:15).

Most of all, witness to the faith with your vibrant testimony. When we live out the beauty of our faith, we can win back those who are slackening in the faith. Who knows, it can even win you a free lunch! 

Fr. Joel O. Jason

reflection question

When you are outside of the church building, is your Christianity evident?

Lord, make me salt of the earth and light of the world. Amen.

Today, I pray for: ______________________________