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| Villa Alessa FAMILY BONDING January 01, 2025 |
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.”
(John :126-27)
Jesus is one among you whom you do not recognize. He walks beside you on the road, He shares your joys and cries, He listens to your hopes and fears, He knows your deepest needs, He offers you His grace and peace, He plants his kingdom seeds. Jesus works with you in daily tasks, shows you what is wise, guides you with His gentle hand, teaches you His ways, blesses you with gifts and skills, and fills your life with praise.
Jesus is Your Lord and Savior who loves you with a perfect love, calls you by your name, waits for you to turn to Him, longs to be your friend, invites you to His table, and wants your love to mend. Come to Jesus and recognize His presence over your life.
Jesus is in the stranger, knocking at the door,
who asks for food and shelter, and a little more
as if you were the least of these, the hungry and the poor
till at last your gracious welcome makes His presence sure.
Jesus is in the scripture, speaking through the word,
who tells the ancient stories, and the truths they stirred
as if you were the living Word, the lamp unto our feet
till at last your Spirit opens our minds to all we meet.
Jesus is in the glory, shining from above,
who fills the earth with beauty, and the heavens with love
as if you were the King of kings, the Lord of all creation
till at last your splendor dazzles our eyes with admiration.
Thy way, not mine, O Lord, however dark it be; lead me by Thine own hand, choose out the path for me. Smooth let it be or rough, it will be still the best; winding or straight, it leads right onward to thy rest.
Pericope:
II: The Book of Signs
JOHN THE BAPTIST'S TESTIMONY TO HIMSELF
John 1:22-28
Gospel John 1:19-28
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, 27 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.
Reflection Source:
Conversation with Copilot