Monday 2nd January 2023. Read 1st John 2:22-28, Psalm 98, and John 1:19-28
“Who is the liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the antichrist, he who denies the Father and the Son.” (1 John 2:22)
St. John tells us today that anyone who denies that Jesus is Christ is not only a liar but an antichrist as well. How do we deny Jesus Christ? A married man was asking a lady out in church while the mass was still ongoing and his wife was sitting just right beside him. In shock, the lady asked him, “Don’t you fear God?” He responded by saying: “Forget that thing.” Even though he had just recited the creed and participated actively in the singing and dancing, God was just a “thing” to him.
We deny Christ by refusing to allow Christ’s words to govern our thoughts and actions. We deny Christ when we behave as if Jesus is not real. We deny Christ when we refuse to use our position, wealth, and political influence in society to advance the cause of Christ. John the Baptist rose to a certain position of social influence. He had become popular attracting crowds to himself.
When you have influence, you also have power, you can easily attract whatever you desire be it money, fame, or glory. But at the height of his glory, John the Baptist said: “I am not the Christ…. I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness … I baptize with water; but among you stands one whom you do not know, even he who comes after me, the thong of whose sandal I am not worthy to untie.” (John 1:20-27).
Are you a celebrity? Has God blessed you with talents to such an extent that you have millions of fans all over the world? Do you realize that if your work does not promote the Gospel of Christ, you may just be a tool in the hand of the devil? When those of us who claim to be men and women of God do not practice what we preach, we are also antichrists.
Today 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 the Patriarch of Constantinople and was a great theologian, defending the Catholic faith. These two saints, bishops, outstanding theologians, and doctors of the Church, like John the Baptist prepared the way for Lord.
Let us pray: Heavenly Father, may my life acknowledge you this year. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (St. Basil the Great and Gregory Nazianzen. Bible Study: 1st John 2:22-28, Psalm 98, and John 1:19-28).
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus Abu
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