You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.

 

Scripture readings for today's reflection can be found at Christmas Weekday | USCCB

Today in our gospel we hear of John the Baptist pointing towards Jesus and saying, “One mightier than I is coming after me. I am not worthy to stoop and loosen the thongs on his sandals.” John, in all humility, was pointing towards Jesus so that others may come to finds salvation and forgiveness of their sins. John knew that it wasn’t all about him, but rather about the salvation that will come from Jesus Christ.

John is an example of how we are to live our lives. We need to realize that we are not to be self-centered or selfish, caring only for ourselves, but rather God centered. We are all called to not only follow Jesus Christ in our lives with all humility, realizing that it is through him that we receive the forgiveness of our sins, but also to point out Jesus to those in our lives that are in need to know that Jesus Christ is Lord and Savior.

It takes courage to be a follower of Jesus and to share this fact with others in a world that seems to ignore his commands of love of God and love of neighbor. We are in a society that has become so self-centered and consumer oriented that we fail to see the importance of living a life in obedience to God’s commandments of love and forgiveness.

In our first reading for today, from the first letter of John, we are reminded, “Who indeed is the victor over the world but the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?” John is telling us that we gain victory by believing in Jesus Christ.                                                                                                                                   

As we start out this new year, let us remember that each day we receive is a gift from God and we are to be grateful to God for this gift of life. Over the last few years, due to COVID, we came to know how fragile life is. Let us place our whole life in the loving hands of Jesus Christ and attempt to bring others to faith in him. It is through Jesus Christ that were baptized with the power of the Holy Spirit and have that peace that comes from God alone.

As we approach the altar during Holy Communion, let us recall the words of God the Father who said of Jesus, “You are my beloved Son, with you and I am well pleased.” Then, as we receive our Lord in Holy Communion, we can say, “My Lord and my God.”