Homily (Reflection) for Saturday after Epiphany of the Lord
1Jn 5:14-21;
Ps 149:1-6.9. (R. v. 4);
Jn 3:22-30.
Topic: When others progress.
John the Baptist was told by his disciples in today’s gospel, “Rabbi, the one who was with you across the Jordan, to whom you testified, here he is baptising, and all are going to him” (Jn 3:26). Although this report could be terrifying (cf. Matt 2:2-3) but he said to them:
No one can receive anything except what has been given from
heaven. You yourselves are my witnesses that I said, ‘I am not the Messiah, but
I have been sent ahead of him.’ He who has the bride is the bridegroom. The
friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly at the
bridegroom’s voice. For this reason my joy has been fulfilled. He must
increase, but I must decrease (Jn 3:27-30).
John the Baptist is not unaware that blessings come from God,
cf. 1Cor 4:7. In the Acts of the
Apostles, Gamaliel recounted to his fellow Jews how many had risen claiming to
be the Messiah and how each of them ended up. He therefore advised them to let
the disciples be that it will fail if it is of human origin. Again that they would
not be able to overthrow them if it is of God rather they would be fighting
God, cf. Acts 5:34-39. We remember what
Herod did when he heard that a new king was born, cf. Matt 2:1-18. Yet he did not succeed in eliminating the new born
king.
We should rejoice with those who rejoice and mourn with those
who mourn, cf. Rom 12:15. Trying to
pull others down is a fight against God who uplifts. Help others progress.
Bible Reading: 1Cor 4:6-7; Rom 12:9-21.
Thought for today: It is God who uplifts.
Let us pray: May God help us rejoice with others
when things go well with them and look onto God for whatever good we desire –
Amen.
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