Read 1 John 2:29-3:6, Ps. 98:1,3-6, John 1:29-34)_
“No one who abides in him sins; no one who sins has either seen him or known him.” (1 John 3:6)
St. John tells us today that to know God is to flee from sin. Anyone who sins does not know God. Sin is not something that happens unconsciously. To sin is to be fully aware of the gravity of an act (or inaction) and still go ahead. If truly we know God, we would do everything within our power to avoid sin because of our love for God. And we would continue to battle with temptations until we succeed.
To win any battle, one must approach it with an attitude of victory. That is, we must first tell ourselves it is possible to win; otherwise, we would die of fear even before we receive the first strike. Believe that you can do away with sin. Trust that you can completely overcome your bad habits with God on your side and with continuous efforts. God wants to see your efforts.
Remember the saying: “Practice makes perfect.” If you fail today, get up and try again. Try a different method. Just keep trying till you get over it. No one becomes a professional athlete, tech guru, etc. in days. It takes years of consistent practice. You will not suddenly overcome your past sins just because it is a new year or you attended a powerful cross-over service. “Amen, I receive it” does not take sin away. You have to keep practising till you replace your vices with virtues.
The problem with many of us is that we give up easily; that is, we stop seeing anything wrong in our sinful actions. On the other hand, we try not to get caught to look good before others. Some Christians have perfected the art of not getting caught. Meanwhile, such efforts would have been put into the art of not falling into sin.
In today’s Gospel passage, John the Baptist introduces Jesus Christ as the “Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world!” What does this mean? John, the evangelist, tells us: “But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous; and he is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.” If you truly desire to rid yourself of your sins, you must improve your relationship with Jesus. Are you spending enough time with Jesus?
Though it is an Optional Memorial, we celebrate the “Most Holy Name of Jesus” today. The name “Jesus” is not ordinary. It is a prayer and a statement of faith. When we say the name, we are like soldiers calling to their SAVIOUR in the battleground. St. Paul tells us: “At the name of Jesus every knee should bend, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:10-11)
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, help me live above sin. Through Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Wednesday before Epiphany. Bible Study: 1 John 2:29-3:6, Ps. 98:1,3-6, John 1:29-34).
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu