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| HOUSE OF SEALTHIEL - CONSTRUCTION December 17, 2019 |
When the Jews from Jerusalem sent priests and Levites
to him to ask him, “Who are you?”
he admitted and did not deny it, but admitted,
“I am not the Christ.”
JOHN 1:19-20
John the Baptist and Jesus Christ had a special relationship. They were related by blood, as John’s mother Elizabeth and Jesus’ mother Mary were cousins. They were also related by purpose, as John was sent by God to prepare the way for Jesus’ ministry. John recognized Jesus as the Messiah, the Son of God, and the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. John also humbly acknowledged that Jesus was greater than him, and that he must decrease while Jesus must increase. John was faithful to his mission until the end, even when he faced persecution and imprisonment. Jesus praised him as the greatest among those born of women. John the Baptist is an example of a courageous and devoted servant of God, who fulfilled his role as a witness and a forerunner of Jesus Christ.
A man named John was sent from God. He came for testimony, to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to testify to the light. And this is the testimony of John. When the Jews from Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to him to ask him, “Who are you?” he admitted and did not deny it, but admitted, “I am not the Christ.” So they asked him, “What are you then? Are you Elijah?” And he said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” He answered, “No.” So they said to him, “Who are you, so we can give an answer to those who sent us? What do you have to say for yourself?” He said: “I am the voice of one crying out in the desert, make straight the way of the Lord, as Isaiah the prophet said.” Some Pharisees were also sent. They asked him, “Why then do you baptize if you are not the Christ or Elijah or the Prophet?” John answered them, “I baptize with water; but there is one among you whom you do not recognize, the one who is coming after me, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to untie.” This happened in Bethany across the Jordan, where John was baptizing. (John 1:6-8, 19-28)
As followers of Christ, we have a personal relationship with Him, based on faith, love, and obedience. It means to believe in His death and resurrection as the only way to be saved from sin and to receive eternal life. It means to love Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love others as ourselves. It means to obey His commands and teachings, and to follow His example of humility, service, and sacrifice. It means to live in the hope and joy of His presence, and to look forward to His return.
The spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me; he has sent me to bring glad tidings to the poor, to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and release to the prisoners, to announce a year of favor from the Lord and a day of vindication by our God. I rejoice heartily in the Lord, in my God is the joy of my soul; for he has clothed me with a robe of salvation, and wrapped me in a mantle of justice, like a bridegroom adorned with a diadem, like a bride bedecked with her jewels. As the earth brings forth its plants, and a garden makes its growth spring up, so will the Lord God make justice and praise spring up before all the nations. (Isaiah 61:1-2, 10-11)
My soul rejoices in my God. To rejoice in God means to feel joy or delight in the Lord, and to celebrate his presence and his works in our lives. It is a command and a choice that we can make, regardless of our circumstances, because God is always good and faithful. Rejoicing in God is also a fruit of the Spirit, a result of being filled with his love and power. Rejoicing in God can help us overcome anxiety, fear, and doubt, and experience his peace and joy.
My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my savior, 48 for he has looked upon his lowly servant. From this day all generations will call me blessed. The Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is his Name. He has mercy on those who fear him in every generation. He has filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he has sent away empty. He has come to help of his servant Israel, for he has remembered his promise of mercy. (Luke 1:46-48, 49-50, 53-54)
Let us always maintain a constant communication with God, and to be aware of His presence and His will in every situation. This is by way of having a prayerful attitude and a readiness to talk to God at any time. Praying without ceasing is a way of expressing our dependence on God, our gratitude for His blessings, and our desire for His guidance. Praying without ceasing is also a way of resisting temptation, overcoming worry, and growing in faith.
Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophetic utterances. Test everything; retain what is good. Refrain from every kind of evil. May the God of peace make you perfectly holy and may you entirely, spirit, soul, and body, be preserved blameless for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful, and He will also accomplish it. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-24)
Lord Jesus, You are the Christ, the Son of the living God. You are the way, the truth and the life. You are the light that shines in the darkness. It is You who made me to be who I am and what I am today. You are a brother and a friend. In You, I became a child of God. I rejoice in You O Lord my God and Savior. Thank You so much for being everything to me. Amen.
Pericope:
I: Prologue
PROLOGUE
John 1:1-18
III: Return of the First Captives
THE MISSION OF THE AFFLICTED
Isaiah 61:1-11
II: The Infancy Narrative
THE CANTICLE OF MARY
Luke 1:46-56
III: Specific Exhortations
CHURCH ORDER
1 Thessalonians 5:16-24
Reflection Source:
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