HUMBLY EXERCISING YOU ROLE IN THE MISSION OF CHRIST

 Saturday After the Epiphany of the Lord, 9th January, 2021

Readings: 1 John 5:14-21, Ps.149, John 3:22-30

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia.

HUMBLY EXERCISING YOU ROLE IN THE MISSION OF CHRIST

As Christians, one of the mandate that Jesus gave to us is to proclaim the Good News of our salvation, for in this mandate everyone of us has a special role to play. But the question is how are we playing this role? Today’s Gospel passage presents to us the humility in which John the Baptist plays his role in the mission of Christ.  John knew who he was in the sight of God. He knew his strengths and his weaknesses, he knew that his life was centered on Christ. 

This was not a burden for him, for he clearly understood God’s sovereignty, he understood who Jesus is. He rejoiced in the coming of Jesus and his role in the mission and life of Jesus. He knew he was the announcer of Good News, but not the Good News itself. However, he did not have to make a public show of himself. He was not out to promote his own ministry or reputation. Even though it seems as if he is becoming insignificance when Jesus arrived, he did not feel so. His aim was to identify Jesus to the people which he did with all humility. 

Thus, John shows us what it means to be a true disciple of the Lord. That as disciples, we should not allow pride, ambition, ego and selfish desire to dictate how we live our lives. If not, we will easily be carried away by worldly temptations and lose our way by falling deep into the trap of sin. Rather, we are called to be humble and to be faithful to God at all times. Hence, St. John in our first reading today, tells us to struggle to free ourselves from sin and reject the path of sin, so that we will not end up being trapped more and more in the path of sin, for this may make us end up in eternal damnation if we are not careful.

          

Dear friends, John understands his role in the mission of Christ and shows the essence of humility in exercising it. Do we have any clue of what our role is in the mission of Christ?  In what ways do we exemplify humility in the little task entrusted to us? Let us learn from John the Baptist how to humbly exercise our role in any task or mission entrusted to us. 

LET US PRAY: Lord God, John the Baptist humbly remarked that it was only right that while his Lord and Master increased in importance and prominence, that he should decrease, thereby showing and teaching us what it means to be humble servants and disciples. As we contemplate his life, may we learn to be humble in carrying out the mission and vocation entrusted to us. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. Do have a peaceful weekend.