Saturday 2nd January 2021

Happy 34th birthday to Fr. Imo.

Today’s readings are about identity and mission. The contemporaries of John the Baptist were keen to know whether he was the “Christ”, the Anointed One—a title that he stoutly rejected, as we see in today’s Gospel. The first reading, on the other hand, warns against those who could not subsequently recognize Jesus as the Christ. The reading is an exhortation to be firm in faith and not to be led astray, for those who share in the anointing of Christ, the Messiah.

John the Baptist is clear about his identity and mission. His baptism is efficacious, but is not as complete as the baptism that Jesus will administer. Jesus too is clear about his own identity and mission: to be the loving face of his Father for a world in need of redemption, and to confer upon all the power of the Spirit.

A common identity we share is that of being children of God, our loving Father. May we also live out our common mission: to renew the face of the earth by the power of His Spirit.