Lenten Reflections - Week 1, Feb 27 Fri

by Kenny Soosai

Readings: Deut 10:12-22 Heb 4:11-16 John 3:22-36

Gospel: After this, Jesus and his disciples went into the region of Judea, where he spent some time with them baptizing. John was also baptizing in Aenon near Salim, because there was an abundance of water there, and people came to be baptized, for John had not yet been imprisoned.

Now a dispute arose between the disciples of John and a Jew 13 about ceremonial washings. So they came to John and said to him, "Rabbi, the one who was with you across the Jordan, to whom you testified, here he is baptizing and everyone is coming to him." John answered and said, "No one can receive anything except what has been given him from heaven. You yourselves can testify that I said (that) I am not the Messiah, but that I was sent before him.

The one who has the bride is the bridegroom; the best man, who stands and listens for him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom's voice. So this joy of mine has been made complete. He must increase; I must decrease."

The one who comes from above is above all. The one who is of the earth is earthly and speaks of earthly things. But the one who comes from heaven (is above all). He testifies to what he has seen and heard, but no one accepts his testimony. Whoever does accept his testimony certifies that God is trustworthy. For the one whom God sent speaks the words of God. He does not ration his gift of the Spirit. The Father loves the Son and has given everything over to him.

Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever disobeys the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God remains upon him.

Reflection: Some scholars believe that John wrote this passage to bring the remnant followers of John the Baptist into the Christian community. He reminds his audience that Jesus is the true Messiah and that John the Baptist testified to this truth. John the Apostle himself and Andrew, brother to Simon Peter were likely also followers of John the Baptist as hinted in John 1:35-42.

John the Baptist knew what his mission was and supported whole-heartedly the ministry of Jesus. In his humility and wisdom, John the Baptist accepted that his job was to clear a way for Jesus.

A Step to Consider: Pray for humility and wisdom to know what God’s plans are for us. This could be at home, at work or at church. Do we need to take a step back to make way for others? For some of us, it might mean taking a step up to answer God’s call.