“HONEY FROM THE ROCK”
Friday, 16th December 2016,
Third Week of Advent
Is 56: 1-3, 6-8;
Ps 67: 2-8;
Jn 5: 33-36
DO YOU WANT TO WITNESS TO JESUS?
Today’s Gospel states that John the Baptist testified to the truth. He was a burning and shining lamp giving testimony to the light ‘Jesus’. John spoke what he heard from the Father (1:31-34) concerning Jesus, and so bore witness to the truth; the truth who was Christ. At first, the Jews rejoiced in the witness that John gave of Jesus. John was a “burning and shining lamp” that gave light to the divinity of Jesus as the Messiah.
For the Jews, it was to first turn to Jesus through the preaching of John. Then, to come to believe in Jesus because of a much greater testimonies, that of the miracles Jesus performed, the power of His Word and that of His own transforming divine presence. At first, we are often drawn to Christ through some powerful preaching or witness of another. Then Jesus gives us testimony through His marvelous workings in our lives, through the sacraments of the Church, through the Word of God and also through the Holy Eucharist. Has this encountering witness of Jesus real in our lives? Is it at a shallow or a deeper level? Has it influenced us and transformed us, or have we been unchanged by it?
We are called to not only have a passive experience of Jesus, but to be an active witness to Jesus. We are called to fulfill the role of John the Baptist. Let us reflect today where we are on our journey of faith. Perhaps on a personal level, we need to encounter Jesus at a personal and deeper level. Perhaps we need to be a good inspiration to another who needs a testimony to Christ. Jesus wants us to minister to other people on a much deeper level. Let His divine presence be what ultimately testify towards His love and care.
Prayer: Lord, deepen my life of faith. As I follow You every day help me to never be satisfied with where I am. Help me to allow You to speak to me on an ever-deepening level. Jesus, I trust in You. Amen.