First Reading (1 John 2:22-28)
Reading from the First Letter of Saint John.
Beloved: Who is the liar but the one who denies that Jesus is the Christ? The Antichrist is the one who denies the Father and the Son. Everyone who denies the Son does not have the Father either; whoever confesses the Son has the Father also. 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. And this is the promise that he made us: eternal life. I write these things to you about those who would deceive you. As for you, the anointing that you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But his anointing teaches you about everything and is true and not false, just as it has taught you, remain in him. And now, little children, remain in him, so that when he appears we may have confidence and not be put to shame by him at his coming.
– The word of the Lord.
– Thanks be to God.
Gospel (John 1:19-28)
— Proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint John.
— Glory to you, Lord.
This was the testimony of John when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?” John confessed and did not deny. He confessed, “I am not the Messiah.” They asked him, “Are you Elijah?” John replied, “I am not.” They asked him, “Are you the Prophet?” He answered, “No.” So they said to him, “Who are you? We need to take an answer back to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?” John declared, “I am the voice crying out in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord,'” as the prophet Isaiah said. Now those who were sent were from the Pharisees and they asked him, “Why then are you baptizing if you are not the Messiah, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?” John answered them, “I baptize with water, but among you stands one whom you do not know, and he is coming after me. I am not worthy to untie the strap of his sandals.” This took place in Bethany across the Jordan, where John was baptizing.
— The Gospel of the Lord.
— Praise to you, Lord.
Refletindo a Palavra de Deus
My beloved brothers and sisters in Christ, may the peace of the Lord be with you. Today, we gather as a community of faith, seeking divine wisdom and guidance to illuminate our paths in the face of everyday challenges. I want to begin our reflection today with a story that, much like the Scriptures we have heard, will guide us toward the truth found in Christ.
Picture yourselves on a dark night where the stars shine brightly in the sky. There was a man named John, a simple precursor whose mission was to witness the light that was to come, the light that dispels darkness. However, when asked about who he was, John humbly denied being the Messiah, Elijah, or some resurrected prophet. Instead, he proclaimed to be a voice crying out in the wilderness, preparing the way for the Lord.
Just as John the Baptist prepared the way for the coming of Jesus, we are called to prepare our hearts in the presence of the Lord in our daily lives. In the passages we will reflect upon today, we find precious guidance in the First Letter of John and the Gospel of John.
The apostle John warns us about antichrists, those who deny the Son and, consequently, also deny the Father. He reminds us of the importance of remaining faithful to what we have heard from the beginning. The truth we know in Christ is not a passing idea but an eternal reality, like the light that shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
How often are we tempted to yield to the influences of the world, to doubt the truth we received from the beginning of our faith journey? Antichrists can manifest in various forms, whether through ideologies that minimize the significance of Christ’s sacrifice or through values that contradict divine teachings. John exhorts us to stand firm, not to stray from the path revealed to us by our Lord and Savior.
In this context, the words of John the Baptist in the Gospel of John resonate deeply. When religious leaders question his identity, John does not dwell on his own importance but points to the one who is to come, whose sandals he is not worthy to untie. John the Baptist acknowledges humility before the Lord, demonstrating total surrender to divine will.
What can we learn from John the Baptist? In a world that often exalts self-importance, we are called to follow John’s example, to empty ourselves so that Christ may increase within us. It is not about seeking personal glory but pointing to the light that illuminates our lives and the world around us.
My brothers and sisters, faced with these passages, we are challenged to examine our hearts and discern whether we are remaining faithful to the truth entrusted to us from the beginning. Just as John the Baptist prepared the way for the Messiah, we are called to prepare the way for Christ in our daily lives.
The repetition of John, both the apostle and the Baptist, reminds us of the importance of perseverance in faith, consistency in our testimonies, and fidelity to the truth we know in Christ. Let us not allow the voices of the world to divert us from the narrow path that leads to eternal life.
Imagine now a narrow road, surrounded by dense darkness. In the midst of this darkness, a light shines brightly, guiding us through the winding path. This light is Christ, and He calls us to follow Him. Every step we take toward this light distances us from the shadows of sin and doubt.
Perhaps some of us find ourselves at crossroads, hesitant about which path to take. Today’s biblical passages offer us a divine compass, pointing us in the right direction. As disciples of Christ, we are called to witness His light in the darkness of the world, to be beacons guiding those who are lost.
John the Baptist was not the light, but he came to bear witness to the light. Similarly, we are called to be witnesses of Christ’s light amid the shadows of despair, selfishness, and sin. May our lives be a reflection of the divine light that shines in our hearts, illuminating the world around us.
In our daily lives, how can we manifest this light? Perhaps through an act of selfless love, sincere forgiveness, or compassion for those suffering around us. The light of Christ manifests in the small daily actions that reflect His love and grace.
It is crucial to remember that the light of Christ is not to be selfishly kept to ourselves. Just like a candle that lights up the room, the light of Christ must be shared to dispel the darkness around us. Let us be attentive to daily opportunities to bear this divine light, offering hope to the lost and discouraged.
I want to encourage each of you to reflect on how you are following John the Baptist’s example in your lives. Are we preparing the way for the Lord in our hearts, or are we allowing the darkness of sin and unbelief to settle in? Let us be vigilant, for the Lord is always ready to welcome us with open arms when we turn to Him sincerely.
As part of strategic repetition, I emphasize once again the importance of remaining faithful to the truth we know in Christ. This is not just an abstract truth but a truth incarnated in our Savior. Let us be like John the Baptist, pointing to the light that is Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who came to redeem the world.
In our spiritual journeys, it is easy to get lost amid the distractions of the modern world. The voices of antichrists may sound loud, trying to divert us from the truth we know in Christ. However, the message of the Scriptures is clear: let us stand firm in faith, trusting in the truth revealed in Jesus Christ, our Lord, and Savior.
Now, let us turn our attention to prayer, asking the Holy Spirit to guide and strengthen us in our faith journey. Let us pray that, like John the Baptist, we may be faithful witnesses of the light of Christ in our daily lives.
Lord, merciful and compassionate God, look upon us, your children, gathered here in your presence. Grant us the grace to stand firm in the truth we know in Christ, resisting temptations and influences that seek to divert us from the path of faith.
May the Holy Spirit, who guided John the Baptist in his mission, also lead us in our spiritual journey. Empower us to be witnesses of the light of Christ amid the darkness of the world so that, through our lives, others may be drawn to the saving truth found in Jesus.
Lord, we ask for discernment to recognize the voices of antichrists trying to lead us away from You. Strengthen us to resist temptations and remain faithful to your Word. May we, like John the Baptist, decrease so that Christ may increase in us, making us true reflections of His light.
Grant us the grace to live according to the teachings of the Scriptures, applying spiritual truths in our daily lives. May the light of Christ shine in us in such a way that others are attracted to the beauty of your truth and love.
And now, my brothers and sisters, may the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Amen.
May the Lord bless and guide you in all your ways. May the light of Christ continue to shine in your hearts, dispelling the darkness around you. Go in peace, serving the Lord with joy and faithfulness. Amen.
