Gospel: John 1:19-28
This was the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites to ask him, Who are you?” John recognized the truth, and did not deny it.
He said, “I am not the Messiah.” And they asked him, “Then who are you? Elijah?” He answered, “I am not.” They said, “Are you the Prophet?”
And he answered, “No.” Then they said to him, “Tell us who you are, so that we can give some answer to those who sent us. How do you see yourself?”
And John said, quoting the prophet Isaiah, “I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness: Make straight the way of the Lord!”
Those who had been sent were Pharisees; and they put a further question to John, “Then why are you baptizing, if you are not the Messiah, or Elijah,
or the Prophet?” John answered, “I baptize you with water, but among you stands one whom you do not know; although he comes after me,
I am not worthy to untie the strap of his sandal.” This happened in Bethabara beyond the Jordan, where John was baptizing.
REFLECTION:
The way John the Baptist responds to the Jews who asked for his identity is a good example on how to relate with one another.
His answers are honest and direct to the point. We can see in John the Baptist what it is to be Jesus’ witness, that is, to know oneself,
and to lead people to Jesus. He knows that he is not the Messiah nor the Prophet.
By virtue of our baptism, we have become God’s children and we have also the responsibility to give witness to God’s saving love through our words and deeds.
This is an urgent task in our present world wherein many people are drawn more to worldly concerns, forgetting the gospel values.
© Copyright Bible Diary 2020