To Have Faith is to Conquer the World

Saturday, 6 January 2024. Read 1 John 5:5-13, Ps. 147:12-15,19-20, Mark 1:6-11

“Who is it that conquers the world but the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?” (1 John 5:5)

The most common song on the lips of many in our society today is: “This country is hard; things are difficult; our leaders are not doing well; there is corruption everywhere, this and that, and so on.” The country is hard. Yes, but every one of us is contributing to the hardness of this country. We should be pointing fingers at ourselves rather than others.

St. John tells us today: “Anyone who believes that Jesus is the Son of God overcomes the world.” To believe in Jesus is to welcome Jesus into your heart and allow Him to affect your daily choices. To believe in Jesus is to make Him your topmost priority, consulting Him every step of the way. To believe in Jesus is to rise above the corrupt standards of the world.

John the Baptist had not seen Jesus yet but already believed so much that he separated himself from society. He wore Carmel’s hair and fed on locusts and wild honey. Like John the Baptist, our faith should separate us from the world. We should be people of truth, honesty, purity of heart, integrity, kindness, etc. Rather than compete for money, we should compete for practical holiness.

John the Baptist’s prophecy came to pass when Jesus eventually came to be baptised. He saw the heavens open and the Holy Spirit descending on Jesus like a dove. He heard the voice from heaven: “You are my Beloved Son; with you, I am well pleased.” There is a reward for righteousness. There is a reward for separating oneself from the rest of the world.

Rise above the world; do not be conditioned by it. Yes, we all are victims of poverty; we are all struggling to survive harsh conditions, but it doesn’t mean we can be bought. Be that person who would not move even if offered all the money in the world. Let your faith in Jesus go beyond lips service.

Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, deepen my faith in you, and may my faith translate into my daily actions. Through Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Saturday before Epiphany. Bible Study: 1 John 5:5-13, Ps. 147:12-15,19-20, Mark 1:6-11).

@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu