Reflection on Today's Readings, Saturday after Epiphany of the Lord, January 8th, 2022
Texts: 1 John 5:14-21; Psalm 149:1b-6a.9bc; John 3:22-30
Today's gospel reading is a testimony to that demon in us which makes us think that we have monopoly of something. What could have made the disciples of John the Baptist complained about Jesus Christ, if not envy? They, themselves, affirmed that their master bore witness to Him as the Christ. We can see, here, how true it is that not all of us to whom Jesus Christ is made known will finally follow Him. Some of us we stand as obstacles to His mission. Some of us will be like Andrew and the other disciple who followed Him when John the Baptist made Him known to them (John 1:35-40). Some of us, after we have been shown the right path, we will refuse to follow, we will prefer to stay with our old ways and continue to envy those who are making progress.
We wear ourselves out thinking of the other person who is doing the same thing we are doing. We think about them to the extent that we forget to pay attention to our own development and growth. This could get so bad some time that we begin to attack them. It could lead to violence, slander, libel, malice, anger, bitterness, hatred, etc. The point, today, is that we have to beware of envy. Envy can cause fracture in one's life, both social and spiritual.
John the Baptist left for us something to emulate. He showed that deep faith in God cures envy. It is said, "John answered, 'No one can receive anything except what is given him from heaven.'" We need to trust in God's providence. He also showed sign of humility; he did not usurp the authority of Christ. He says, "You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but I have been sent before him. ... He must increase, but I must decrease.” He was happy for Christ.
In today's first reading, St. John assures us that once our request is in line with the will of God, we will get positive answer. He goes further to give us an example of prayer that is in line with God’s will. He says, "If any one sees his brother committing what is not a deadly sin, he will ask, and God will give him life for those whose sin is not deadly." This is an invitation to prayer for sinners that they may give up sinning. He reminds us that being born of God should make us stay away from sin, for we have been enlightened by Christ and known the truth. Some people claim to be born of God but lack understanding. Such people could not stand in time of challenge. Truth is the foundation on which genuine Christian stands.
Almighty ever-living God, who through your Only Begotten Son have made us a new creation for yourself, grant, we pray, that by your grace we may be found in the likeness of him, in whom our nature is united to you. Amen. (Collect).
Fr. Andrew Olowomuke
Posts
0 Comments