Homily for January 2, 2018
St. John
tell us today that anyone who denies that Jesus is the Christ is not just a
liar but an anti-Christ. One of the ways we deny Christ is by living in a
manner that contradicts our beliefs. We deny Christ by refusing to allow his
words govern our thoughts and actions. We deny Christ when we say with our lips
that we are Christians but by our life, we do not represent Christ. We can make
this year really new for ourselves if we decide from this day to make Christ
more visible in our lives.
John the
Baptist in our Gospel passage not only represented Christ by his words, his
actions proved his belief in the superiority of Christ. John the Baptist can be
said to be the opposite of an anti-Christ. When he was asked by the Levites,
“who are you?” he said he was just a voice preparing the way for Christ and he
was not even worthy to untie his sandals. John the Baptist knew who he was. He
recognised his purpose and mission and perfectly helped to prepare the hearts
and minds of many for Christ.
Our
mission has Christians like that of John the Baptist is to make Christ known in
the world. We are to animate the values that Christ himself stood for, we are
to live according to the beatitudes that Christ preached, and according to the
higher standards Christ gave to us. Allowing Christ influence our actions is
not a luxury option. It is the only choice we have. Failure to live out the
Gospel values fully amounts to denying Christ and whenever we deny Christ we
are simply being anti-Christs. Dear friends, let us make the next 365 days new
by resolving to be living testimonies of Christ.
Today
also, we celebrate two great saints, Basil and Gregory. Born in Caesarea,
Cappadocia (Turkey) in 329, St. Basil followed the monastic way of life. As a
powerful preacher, he vigorously fought the Arian heresy. Born in the same year
(329), St. Gregory of Nazianzen was a friend of Basil, and also followed the monastic
way of life for many years. He became
Patriarch of Constantinople and was a great theologian, defending the Catholic
faith. These two saints, bishops, outstanding theologians and doctors of the
Church, prepare the way for the coming of the Lord in our hearts. They recognized his coming and even today
exhort us to make our paths straight.
Let us pray:
Lord Jesus, may my life acknowledge you this year. Amen
Be Happy.
Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you and Happy New
Year. Memorial of Saints Basil and
Gregory. Bible Study: 1st John 2:22-28 and John 1:19-28.)
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