HOMILY FOR THE 4TH OF JANUARY

Homily for the 4th of January

1 John 3:7-10; John 1: 35-42

What are you looking for?

In the first reading of today, St. John in his first letter tells us: "Everyone who commits sin is a achild of the devil" (1John 3:8). Here, St. John speaks of mortal sin. He underscores: "Those who have been born of God do not sin, because God's seed abides in them; they cannot sin because they have been born of God. The children of God and the children of the devil are revealed in this way: all who do not do what is right not from God, nor are those who not love their brothers and sisters" (1John 3:9-10).

Dearest friends in Christ, where do you belong? It is either we are children of God or of the devil. The word of God tells us in the Gospel of Matthew: "By their fruits we shall know them" (Mt 7:20). What kind of fruits do you bear? Remember, the purpose for which the Son of God was revealed was to destroy the works of the devil (1 John 3:8). 

The Gospel reading of today is a continuation of the Gospel narrative of yesterday on John the Baptist pointing out Jesus, the Lamb of God. Today we are told that two of John's disciples left their master and followed Jesus. 

Interesting to note is the question of Jesus to them: "What are you looking for? (John 1:38). By implication are they looking for learning the law as the scribes and Pharisees? Or they looking for power and high offices as the Sadducees? Or are they looking to overthrow the Roman rule as the zealots? What are you looking for? Jesus asked the two disciples. 

This same question goes to us as well friends in Christ, what are we looking for in the church, in priestly life, in the congregation, religious life, in the society or institute? Are we looking for power?, Position?, Career?, Prestige? A place to show ourselves and skills? What's exactly are you looking for from Jesus?

The two disciples were desirous to stay with Jesus, to abide and live with Jesus. They said 'Rabbi' where do you live? Jesus said to them: "Come and see" (John 1 :39). We are told that they saw and remained with him that day. 

Beloved in Christ, like the disciples, all that we desire is the company of Jesus, to stay with Jesus all the days of our lives, to be genuine and regular disciples of Jesus come rain come shine. Are you dear brother and sister certainly in the company of Jesus?

We pray that we may never loose focus of Jesus nor shall we lose his companionship. May he continue to be our leader and guide all the days of our lives, for one with Jesus is majority.

God bless you all

Fr Remi Osj