Friday, January 2, 2015

Reflection: John 1:19-28


Friday before Epiphany – John 1: 19-28

The reading today shifts the focus from Jesus to John the Baptist. Today John is being questioned by some of the priests and Levites. They come and ask him: “who are you?” John bluntly answers them that he is not the Christ. They follow his response by asking him to tell them who he is. They ask if he is Elijah or is he “the One who is to come.”

John clearly tells them that his role and mission is to prepare the way for the Christ. The priests, however, are not satisfied with his response. They continue to bombard John with questions. Finally John replies by stating that he is the voice crying out in the desert. John clearly knew and understood his role in the unfolding of God’s plan. John knew that he was not the “One who is to come.” However, he also understood that he would play a part in the drama that would unfold.

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we clearly knew what our part is to play in the drama of life? At times, in our lives, it is clear what our call and responsibility is. At other times, we may not have any clarity about our role. At these times, I assume that most of us simply keep on going and do what we need to do.

The challenge may be to trust that we are doing God’s will simply by striving to be women and men who love, care and work for justice in our world. Our efforts may seem small in the bigger scheme of life. However, small acts of love, kindness and generosity are great gifts to share. We simply have to trust that God is at work in us and God is working through us in the many small acts we may do each day. We may not be a star. However, we have the ability to shine light on our world! May we do so today!

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