Readings: 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)
In today’s first reading, St. John teaches that anyone who sins does not know God. First, sin is not something that occurs unconsciously; to sin is to be aware that God frowns on the act and yet to proceed with it. Why would anyone be aware that something is an offence against God and claim to know God, but persist in offending Him?
If we truly know God, we would also know what He likes and what He dislikes. You cannot say you know me when you don’t even make an effort to stop doing those things that make me angry. It is either you don’t know what makes me angry (meaning, you do not know me), or you are consciously being my enemy (you hate me).
If we know God, we would do everything in our power to avoid sin. We would battle temptations until we succeed. Like an athlete who trains repeatedly to master their game, we would train continuously until we become masters of righteous living. St John says, “All who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure.” (1 John 3:3).
If we know God, we would see that He is ever-present with us, and we cannot hide from (or pretend before) Him. Isn’t it disrespectful to flaunt His rules, knowing He is always watching us? We claim to know God, yet we are always full of excuses for our evil deeds. No one can deny the difficulty involved in conquering the flesh. The truth is that if we must win any battle, we must first tell ourselves it is possible to win. Never give up, God wants to see your efforts. Practice makes perfect.
Nothing is easy in life. No one becomes a professional athlete, cook, tech guru, etc., in a day. It takes years of consistent practice. If only Christians put as much effort into developing themselves as they do into advancing their careers or becoming professionals in various fields, Christianity would be more attractive. How many hours do you spend praying daily? Jesus told us that we have the power to speak to our mountains and that they will move (cf. Matthew 17:20). He also told us never to grow tired of praying. (cf. Luke 18:1-8).
Beyond prayer, we must hate sin. You may like something so much, but when you meet a new friend and discover that they hate that thing, what do you do? If we can change our likes to accommodate our friends, why don’t we hate sin for God’s sake? Consider the cost of sin, picture its true ugliness, the guilt that follows, the difficulty of praying after doing what God hates. Do not be misled by the beautiful names society gives to evil. Trust me, there are many living saints in this world. It is not true that “everybody is doing it.” By the way, even if everybody is doing it, remember that you are supposed to be a light. (cf. Matthew 5:14)
In today’s Gospel passage, John the Baptist introduces Jesus Christ as the “Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world!” We can interpret this statement in two ways. One, by dying for us, Jesus has become our advocate (our defence attorney), and his blood continues to plead for mercy on our behalf. We should not be afraid to approach him, regardless of our past sinfulness. Two, as the Lamb of God, there is no sin in Jesus. The closer we draw to the lamb, the less sinful we become. If you want to be rich, you must surround yourself with rich people. If you want to be holy, ensure your inner circle of friends values righteousness.
Today, we celebrate the “Most Holy Name of Jesus”. A few days ago, we celebrated the naming ceremony of Jesus. The Angel separately instructed Mary and Joseph to name the child “Jesus.” This name underscores Jesus’s purpose on earth: to save humanity from sin. Every time Jesus heard his name, it reminded him of his mission. The name “Jesus” is a prayer and a statement of faith. When we say the name, we are like soldiers calling to their saviour on 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). Are you in any trouble? Pray the name “Jesus”. Call on Him, and He will never fail you.
Let us pray: Almighty ever-living God, who was pleased to shine forth with new light through the coming of your Only Begotten Son, grant, we pray, that, just as he was glad to share our bodily form through the child-bearing of the Virgin Mary, so we, too, may one day merit to become companions in his kingdom of grace. Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (The Most Holy Name of Jesus. Liturgical Colour: White. Bible Study: 1 John 2:29-3:6, Ps. 98:1,3-6, John 1:29-34)
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu