Tarsish Marak csc –
Readings: 1Jn 5: 14-21; Jn 3: 22-30
We have just concluded the Christmas season, celebrating the incarnation of God, who took human form to dwell among us.
In the first reading we are reminded that Jesus is the true God who calls us to turn away from evil. He came to cleanse and redeem us, making us children of God. In today’s gospel, John the Baptist humbly declares, “He must increase, but I must decrease.”
John recognized Jesus as the true Savior, acknowledging that his own mission was to prepare the way for Christ. He understood that Jesus had been given the power from above to carry on the work of salvation. John’s words echo the truth that as children of God, we must choose to welcome Jesus into our lives continually. He comes to us at every moment to deliver us from evil and to help us become more like him.
Pope Francis reminds us, “To follow Jesus means to accept his invitation to love, to heal, and to bring hope to the world.” John the Baptist’s testimony, “Here is the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world,” invites us to embrace Jesus in our daily lives. Let us pray for the grace to live fully for Christ, the incarnate Word, who delivers us from sin and offers us abundant life.