Christmas Weekday

Today's Mass Readings

Even though today’s first reading begins with 1 Jn 2: 29, we should really begin with v. 28. In v. 28 John urges his community to “remain in him” (Jesus). According to John, if they “remain” in him, then their true identity is revealed. “See what love the Father has bestowed on us that we may be called the children of God” (1 Jn 3:1). However, our own idenity as the Children of God comes from Christ who is the Son of God. Today's gospel reading from John recounts the baptism of Jesus and connects His Baptism with his identity as the Son of God. John the Baptist was both the witness to the baptism of Jesus and the fact that he was the Son of God (Jn 1:34).

This is an important point for us. We too are baptised and we too are sons and daughters of God. Christ is the reason both for our baptism and our relationship with God as father. Indeed we are grateful to Christ.

How we think of ourselves in relation to God is an important dimension of our faith that has serious implications. For example, Jesus called God, “Abba.” Thus, he related with God, talked to God, talked about God, listened to God just as a child would do with his/her parent. This raises an important point for reflection for us. How do we see ourselves in relation to God? Our spiritual identity is crucial for our spiritual growth. Today, spend time in prayer and reflection meditating on this point.

- Fr. Satish Joseph