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)
- 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 we truly know God, we would do everything within our power to avoid sin because of our love for God. We would continue to battle temptations until we succeeded. 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 eliminate sin. Trust that you can completely overcome your bad habits with God on your side and 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.
- Are you struggling with sin? Do you find yourself returning to your past after brief repentance episodes? Jesus sees your efforts. Having taken our flesh, Jesus knows what you are going through. Keep making efforts to repent and never stop praying daily for grace. Jesus told us that we have the power to speak to our mountains, and they will move (cf. Matthew 17:20). He also told us never to get tired of praying. (cf. Luke 18:1-8).
- Also, to free yourself from the grip of sin, learn to hate the object of sin. Consider the true cost of sin by looking beyond the immediate gains or pleasures. Adam and Eve fell because they did not consider the long-term effect of disobedience. “When the woman saw that the tree was good for food and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate; and she also gave some to her husband, and he ate.” (Genesis 3:6).
- 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.” (1 John 2:1-2).
- Jesus is the lamb who was slain to take away our sins. By dying for us, Jesus has become our advocate (our defence attorney), and his blood continues to plead for mercy on our behalf. This means we should not be afraid of coming to him regardless of our past sinfulness. As He promised paradise to the thief on Calvary, Jesus is ready to forgive you if you repent today and begin a new life.
- 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 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).
- Do not call Jesus’ name in vain. Avoid making jokes with Jesus’ Name. Give this name the respect it deserves by calling it only with faith and trust. Believe in the power of the name. Call Jesus anytime you need Him; He will be right there with you.
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, help us live above sin. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, 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. (3 January or 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