The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today remind us of the power of prayer to recalibrate our relationship with God and our neighbours whom we love with our talents.
The reading from the First Letter of John seeks Prayer for Sinners.
* [5:13–21] As children of God we have confidence in prayer because of our intimate relationship with him (1 Jn 5:14–15). In love, we pray (1 Jn 5:16–17) for those who are in sin, but not in deadly sin (literally, “sin unto death”), probably referring to apostasy or activities brought on under the antichrist; cf. Mk 3:29; Heb 6:4–6; 10:26–31. Even in the latter case, however, prayer, while not enjoined, is not forbidden. The letter concludes with a summary of the themes of the letter (1 Jn 5:18–20). There is a sharp antithesis between the children of God and those belonging to the world and to the evil one. The Son reveals the God of truth; Christians dwell in the true God, in his Son, and have eternal life. The final verse (1 Jn 5:21) voices a perennial warning about idols, any type of rival to God. (1 John, CHAPTER 5 | USCCB, n.d.)
Psalm 149 offers praise for God’s Goodness to Israel.
* [Psalm 149] A hymn inviting the people of Israel to celebrate their God in song and festive dance (Ps 149:1–3, 5) because God has chosen them and given them victory (Ps 149:4). The exodus and conquest are the defining acts of Israel; the people must be ready to do again those acts in the future at the divine command (Ps 149:6–9). (Psalms, PSALM 149 | USCCB, n.d.)
The Gospel of John presents the Final Witness of the Baptist.
* [3:22–26] Jesus’ ministry in Judea is only loosely connected with Jn 2:13–3:21; cf. Jn 1:19–36. Perhaps John the Baptist’s further testimony was transposed here to give meaning to “water” in Jn 3:5. Jesus is depicted as baptizing (Jn 3:22); contrast Jn 4:2.
* [3:23] Aenon near Salim: site uncertain, either in the upper Jordan valley or in Samaria.
* [3:24] A remark probably intended to avoid objections based on a chronology like that of the synoptics (Mt 4:12; Mk 1:14).
* [3:25] A Jew: some think Jesus is meant. Many manuscripts read “Jews.”
* [3:29] The best man: literally, “the friend of the groom,” the shoshben of Jewish tradition, who arranged the wedding. Competition between him and the groom would be unthinkable. (John, CHAPTER 3, n.d.)
Vivian Amu comments that in the Gospel, John’s declaration, “He must increase; I must decrease," reminds us to prioritize God's mission and point the way to Jesus any chance we get.
As we reflect on the readings for today, we are invited to recalibrate our relationship with God. We are invited to engage with God in prayer and learn from the humility exemplified by John the Baptist. Both readings encourage us to forge a path where our desires align with God’s will and find joy and peace in surrendering our lives to God’s greater purpose, which can be both comforting and challenging at the same time. Embracing these messages can transform our faith, guiding us toward a more fulfilling and meaningful relationship with God, who delights in us. (Amu, n.d.)
Don Schwager quotes “Christ is the husband of the church, his bride,” by Ambrose of Milan, 339-397 A.D.
"This means he alone is the husband of the church (John 3:29), he is the expectation of the nations, and the prophets removed their sandals while offering to him a union of nuptial grace. He is the bridegroom; I am the friend of the bridegroom. I rejoice because he is coming, because I hear the nuptial chant, because now we do not hear the harsh penalties for sinners, the harsh torments of the law, but the forgiveness of offenses, the cry of joy, the sound of cheerfulness, the rejoicing of the nuptial feast." (excerpt from ON THE PATRIARCHS 4.22) (Schwager, n.d.)
The Word Among Us Meditation on John 3:22-30 comments that like John, each of us has been given a role to play. Whether it’s the same mission as some other person or group or a different one doesn’t matter. There’s so much work to be done, and the Lord doesn’t want us wasting our time and energy competing with one another. After all, we’re all on the same team!
Are you tempted to view someone as a rival? If so, remember the humility of John the Baptist. He was confident of his own calling; he knew he was doing what God had sent him to do. That’s all we need to be concerned about as well. Like John, let’s give glory to God for allowing us to play a role in bringing his kingdom to earth.
“Jesus, make me a humble servant like St. John the Baptist!” (Meditation on John 3:22-30, n.d.)
Friar Jude Winkler comments on the end of the First Letter of John and the advice about praying for sinners. Is praying for mortal sinners a waste of time? This letter is very dualistic when it considers being under the power of the evil one. Friar Jude reflects on the matrimonial symbolism that indicates Jesus as the New Covenant, the bride of the widow, Israel and the Baptist as the bridegroom.
Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces Rev. Yvette Flunder who encourages us to use our own gifts in the service of others. She notes that Paul is talking to Timothy about the gift of God placed in Timothy by God. Apparently some thing or some string of things has caused Timothy’s gift to die down. It is there, but barely distinguishable. Paul is encouraging the young Tim to stir it up. The metaphor literally means to kindle anew the flames of fire … to shake the ashes off the God-given fire that is already in you so a new blaze of fire can be clearly seen….
Stir it up: You cannot stand off from a fire that has died down and command it to flame up. You must get involved with it. Move it around, see what is there, and assess what is needed…. Knock the ashes off to reveal the hot spots. Challenge yourself. Search around internally and externally for your gifts. Tune up your ear to listen for the voice of God…. Tune out those voices and choices that stand in opposition to the voice and will of God for you. Find your creativity again … dream again … vision again. Don’t let traditional things be a barrier to stirring up the gift of God in you—things like age, time, physical disability, and lack of resources. Your destiny is in those coals. They are still burning, passion is still there; you just need to shake off the ashes and stir it up…. (Rohr, n.d.)
We are grateful for the prayers we receive in response to our shortcomings and we ask the Spirit to guide us in the application of our talents and gifts to build the Kingdom of God.
References
Amu, V. (n.d.). Daily Reflection Of Creighton University's Online Ministries. OnlineMinistries. Retrieved January 11, 2025, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/011125.htm
John, CHAPTER 3. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved January 11, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/3?22
Meditation on John 3:22-30. (n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved January 11, 2025, from https://wau.org/meditations/2025/01/11/1177663/
1 John, CHAPTER 5 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved January 11, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/1john/5?14
Psalms, PSALM 149 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Bible Readings. Retrieved January 11, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/149?1
Rohr, R. (n.d.). Daily Meditations — Center for Action and Contemplation. A Transforming Movement: Weekly Summary. Retrieved January 11, 2025, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/a-transforming-movement-weekly-summary/
Schwager, D. (n.d.). This Joy of Mine Is Now Full. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved January 11, 2025, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2025&date=jan11
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