First Reading (1Jo 5,5-13)
Reading of the First Letter of Saint John.
Dear friends, who is the winner of the world, if not the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? This is the one who came by water and blood: Jesus Christ. (It came not only with water, but with water and blood). And the Spirit is the one who bears witness, because the Spirit is the Truth. Thus, there are three that bear witness: the Spirit, the water and the blood; and the three are unanimous.
If we accept the testimony of men, the testimony of God is greater. This is the testimony of God, for he testified concerning his Son. He who believes in the Son of God has this testimony within him. He who does not believe in God makes him a liar, because he does not believe the testimony that God gave about his Son. And the testimony is this: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son does not have life. I write these things to you who have believed in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you possess eternal life.
– Word of the Lord.
– Thank God.
Gospel (Mc 1,7-11)
— Proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Mark.
— Glory to you, Lord.
At that time, John preached, saying: “One stronger than I will come after me. I’m not even worthy of bending down to untie your sandals. I baptized you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” In those days, Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee, and was baptized by John in the Jordan River. And immediately, as he came out of the water, he saw the sky opening, and the Spirit, like a dove, descending upon him. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my beloved Son, with you I am well pleased.”
— Word of Salvation.
— Glory to you, Lord.
Refletindo a Palavra de Deus
My brothers and sisters in Christ,
Today, I would like to begin our reflection with a simple yet profound thought: life is a river in constant motion. Each day, we are carried by the currents of routine, responsibilities, challenges, and expectations. We navigate through turbulent and calm waters, facing storms and enjoying moments of serenity. And sometimes, we ask ourselves: what is the purpose of all this? Where are we headed?
In these turbulent waters of life, we find comfort and guidance in the words of Sacred Scripture. Today, we are invited to reflect on the passages from the First Reading of the First Letter of John and the Gospel of Mark. These words invite us to dive into the depths of our faith, to recognize who we are in Christ, and to find our true identity as sons and daughters of God.
The passage from the First Reading reminds us that the victory that overcomes the world is our faith. When we put our trust in God and believe in His love and redemption, we overcome adversities and achieve true victory. Faith is the rudder that guides us in the turbulent waters of life, giving us courage to face any challenge. It allows us to navigate safely, knowing that God is with us in every moment.
And the Gospel of Mark brings us the powerful account of Jesus’ baptism in the Jordan River. Here, we see Jesus emerging from the waters, and we hear the voice of the heavenly Father proclaiming, “You are my beloved Son; with you, I am well pleased.” These words are a powerful reminder that we are unconditionally loved by God, that He has a purpose for each of us, and that He delights in us as His sons and daughters.
Just as Jesus was baptized and received the divine confirmation of His identity, we are called to remember our own baptism, when we were incorporated into the family of God. In our baptism, we were washed from the stains of original sin, sealed with the Holy Spirit, and became adopted sons and daughters of God. We are called to live according to this identity and to reflect the light and love of Christ in our daily lives.
My brothers and sisters, how can we do this? How can we live our faith authentically and meaningfully in the turbulent waters of life? Allow me to share with you some practical guidance.
First and foremost, it is crucial to nurture our faith through prayer and meditation on the Word of God. Just as water is essential for physical life, prayer and Bible reading are essential for spiritual health. Let us take daily time to connect with God in prayer, to listen to His voice, and to seek His guidance. Find a place of tranquility where we can distance ourselves from the distractions of the world and tune into the presence of God.
Secondly, it is important to be present in the faith community. Just as a river flows more strongly when various streams come together, our faith is also strengthened when we gather as a community. Let us regularly participate in the Holy Mass, where we can receive the Body and Blood of Christ and join our brothers and sisters in worship and prayer. Find strength in one another, share our joys and challenges, and encourage each other on the path of faith.
Thirdly, it is essential to live out our Christian calling in the world. Just as a drop of water can make a significant impact on a river, each of us has the potential to make a difference in the world around us. Let us be living witnesses of God’s love in our words and actions. Be compassionate to the needy, forgive those who have hurt us, seek justice and peace in our relationships, and be agents of transformation in our society. Remember that, as sons and daughters of God, we have the power of the Holy Spirit within us to accomplish great things in the name of Christ.
Dear brothers and sisters, as I conclude this homily, I would like to remind you that we are called to live with faith, courage, and hope, even in the turbulent waters of life. May we remember our identity as beloved sons and daughters of God, and may this give us strength and confidence to face any challenge. Let us commit to nurturing our faith, coming together as a faith community, and living out our Christian calling in the world.
And now, I invite you to a moment of silence to reflect on the words that have been shared and on how we can apply them in our daily lives…
Dear God, we ask for Your grace and guidance to live according to the truths proclaimed today. Strengthen our faith, grant us courage, and fill us with hope. Help us to be a light and love in this world so that those around us may see and experience Your presence in their lives. We thank You for being our loving Father and for calling us sons and daughters. May we live according to this truth every day of our lives. Amen.
May the grace of God, the love of Christ, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Let us move forward, steadfast in faith, confident in the victory we have in Christ. May God bless you abundantly.
Amen.
