First Reading (1 John 3:7-10)
A reading from the First Letter of Saint John.
Little children, let no one deceive you. The one who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous. The one who commits sin is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. For this purpose, the Son of God was revealed, that He might destroy the works of the devil. Everyone born of God does not sin, because God’s seed remains in him; he cannot sin because he is born of God. This is how God’s children and the devil’s children are distinguished: anyone who does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is the one who does not love his brother.
The word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Gospel (John 1:35-42)
— Proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint John.
— Glory to you, Lord.
At that time, John was again with two of his disciples, and seeing Jesus pass by, he said, “Behold, the Lamb of God!” Upon hearing these words, the two disciples followed Jesus. Turning around and seeing that they were following him, Jesus asked, “What are you looking for?” They said, “Rabbi (which means Teacher), where are you staying?” Jesus replied, “Come and see.” So, they went and saw where he was staying, and they stayed with him that day. It was about four in the afternoon. Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter, was one of the two who heard John’s words and followed Jesus. He first found his brother Simon and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which means Christ). Then Andrew brought Simon to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon, son of John; you will be called Cephas” (which means Peter).
— The Gospel of the Lord.
— Praise to you, Lord.
Refletindo a Palavra de Deus
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
Today, I bring you a message that speaks directly to our daily experiences, touching the depths of our hearts. It is a message of hope and transformation, revealed through the biblical passages proclaimed today: the First Reading from the First Letter of St. John and the Gospel of John.
Imagine, for a moment, being amidst the tasks and challenges of everyday life. The pressures of work, family concerns, personal struggles we face. These situations are familiar to all of us, aren’t they? Our lives are filled with moments when we feel lost, confused, and even disheartened.
But today, the Scriptures offer us a message of hope, a bright light in the midst of darkness. In the First Reading, St. John tells us, “Little children, let no one deceive you. Whoever practices righteousness is righteous, as he is righteous” (1 John 3:7). These words resonate in our hearts and invite us to reflect on the importance of justice in our lives.
In a world where injustice seems to prevail, where lies and corruption often appear to triumph, we are called to be lights shining in the darkness. We are called to practice justice in all areas of our lives, to live according to God’s principles, even when it is challenging.
But how can we do that? How can we be just in the midst of a world full of temptations and challenges? The Gospel of John offers us an inspiring answer. It tells the story of how Jesus called His first disciples.
John the Baptist was with two of his disciples when he saw Jesus passing by. He pointed to Jesus and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God!” (John 1:36). These words resonated in the hearts of the disciples, awakening in them a thirst to know more about this extraordinary man.
So, the disciples followed Jesus and asked Him, “Rabbi, where are you staying?” Jesus replied, “Come and see.” They went and spent the day with Him. And in that encounter, their lives were transformed. They realized that Jesus was the Messiah, the Son of God, and they decided to follow Him.
This story provides a vivid picture of how we can seek justice in our lives. Just like the disciples, we are invited to follow Jesus, to spend time with Him, to know Him personally. It is in this intimate encounter with Jesus that we find the strength and wisdom to live a just life.
When we approach Jesus, when we open our hearts to Him, He reveals the truth about ourselves and the world. He helps us discern between right and wrong, to choose the path of justice even when it’s difficult. He empowers us with His grace to be witnesses of His love and truth.
However, following Jesus is not just a matter of intellectual knowledge. It is a call to concrete action. It is an invitation for our lives to reflect the truths we learn from Him. And that is the challenge we face today.
How can we practice justice in our daily lives? How can we be witnesses of God’s love and truth in a world that often seems to be in disarray?
I want to share with you a story that illustrates this question. There was once a man named Peter who worked in a company where corruption was rampant. He faced situations where honesty was challenged, and justice was ignored.
But Peter decided he would not compromise his principles. He chose to live according to the teachings of Jesus, even if it meant facing difficulties and opposition. He refused to participate in corrupt schemes, even when it meant losing promotions and benefits.
Instead, Peter decided to be an example of integrity in his workplace. He was known for his unwavering honesty and ethics. He became a voice of justice amid the injustice surrounding him.
And what happened? Over time, people began to notice the difference in Peter. His colleagues were curious about what motivated him to act so differently. They started asking questions and seeking answers.
Peter seized these opportunities to share his faith and the teachings of Jesus. He explained how his relationship with Christ empowered him to live a just life, even in a corrupt environment. He showed them that true justice comes from God and that He enables us to live it.
Over time, some people were touched by Peter’s message and also chose to follow Jesus. And thus, a small ray of light began to shine in the darkness.
Dear brothers and sisters, this story reminds us that we can make a difference, even in challenging situations. We can be lights shining in the darkness, witnesses of God’s love and justice.
Today, I invite you to reflect on how each of us can practice justice in our daily lives. Perhaps we are facing challenges in our workplaces, families, or communities. But remember, just like Peter, we are called to live according to God’s principles, even when it is difficult.
Let’s seek Jesus, spend time with Him in prayer and meditation. Let’s ask Him to guide us and strengthen us to act with justice in all areas of our lives. Let’s allow Him to transform our hearts and empower us to be witnesses of His love and truth.
And finally, I want to conclude with a message of hope. When we choose to follow Jesus and live according to His teachings, He grants us the grace to experience His presence in our lives. He gives us the hope of a transformed world, where justice prevails, and God’s love reigns supreme.
May this hope motivate us to act, to be bright lights in the midst of darkness. May it inspire us to seek justice in all areas of our lives and to share God’s love with everyone we encounter.
Let’s pray for God to guide and strengthen us on this journey. May He give us the courage and perseverance to live according to the principles of His Kingdom. And may, through our transformed lives, we become witnesses of His love and justice to the world.
So be it. Amen.
