Gospel Reading: Jn 1:29-34
John the Baptist saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.
He is the one of whom I said, ‘A man is coming after me who ranks ahead of me because he existed before me.’ I did not know him, but the reason why I came baptizing with water was that he might be made known to Israel.” John testified further, saying, “I saw the Spirit come down like a dove from the sky and remain upon him. I did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘On whomever you see the Spirit come down and remain, he is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’ Now I have seen and testified that he is the Son of God.”
JOHN TESTIFIED
The Gospel highlights John the Baptist’s testimony on the identity and ministry of Jesus: He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, who existed before John, upon whom the Spirit descended, the fulfillment of a divine promise, who baptizes with the Holy Spirit, the Son of God. The different titles used to describe who Jesus is and what he does remind us that we have to be open to God’s revelation. Who Jesus is and what he does are expressed in many ways. New evangelization calls us to “new ardor, new methods, new expressions” in proclaiming truths of our faith, so that people can appreciate the richness and vitality of life with the Lord Jesus.
In your family, workplace, and parish community, how do you show the vitality of your Catholic faith?
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SOURCE: “365 Days with the Lord 2016,” ST. PAULS Philippines, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 895-9701; Fax 895-7328; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.