How Do I Know My God?

 

God begets those who are like Him.

Reflection on Today’s Readings, Christmas Time Before Epiphany, January 3rd, 2024 

Texts: 1 John 2:29-3:6; Psalm 97:1,3-6; John 1:29-34 

Today is the question of 'how do I know my God?' John the Baptist, in today’s gospel reading, tells us how he came to know the Christ. He says, “I did not know him myself, but he who sent me to baptise with water had said to me, ‘The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and rest is the one who is going to baptise with the Holy Spirit.’ Yes, I have seen and I am the witness that he is the Chosen One of God.” John the Baptist recognised Christ by anointing of the Holy Spirit.  

St. John, in today’s first reading, tells us that we know our God by our ways of life. He puts it thus: “You know that God is righteous – then you must recognise that everyone whose life is righteous has been begotten by him.” This means God begets those who are like Him. He reiterates it in the words: “all we know is, that when it is revealed we shall be like him because we shall see him as he really is.” Being like God is not in physiques, colour, size or any kind of physical qualities. Being like God is in our ways of life.  

If we are not righteous, God will not beget us

Everyone, then, reflects his/her God in his/her ways of life. The God we know rules our life. Everyone should, then, look into his/her life to know his/her God. We could claim to be the disciples of Jesus Christ, and yet not have the same God with Him. St. John, in today’s first reading, mentions righteous living as the way of God. God does not beget us by just claim to belong to Him; He begets us by living righteously. If we are not righteous, God will not beget us.  

John the Baptist announced Christ as one who has come to take away the sin of the world. He says, “Look, there is the lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world.” St. John, in the first reading, says, “Now you know that he appeared in order to abolish sin, and that in him there is no sin; anyone who lives in God does not sin, and anyone who sins has never seen him or known him.” Having recognised Christ as such, John the Baptist centred his ministry on confession of sins, repentance and baptism. His ways of life reflects his knowledge of Christ.  

Prayer 

Grant us, almighty God, that the bringer of your salvation, who for the world’s redemption came forth with newness of heavenly light, may dawn afresh in our hearts and bring us constant renewal. Amen (Collect) 

Fr. Andrew Olowomuke