John 1:29-42

29 The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him and declared, “Here is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! 30 This is he of whom I said, ‘After me comes a man who ranks ahead of me because he was before me.’ 31 I myself did not know him; but I came baptizing with water for this reason, that he might be revealed to Israel.” 32 And John testified, “I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it remained on him. 33 I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain is the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’ 34 And I myself have seen and have testified that this is the Son of God.” 35 The next day John again was standing with two of his disciples, 36 and as he watched Jesus walk by, he exclaimed, “Look, here is the Lamb of God!”

37 The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus. 38 When Jesus turned and saw them following, he said to them, “What are you looking for?” They said to him, “Rabbi” (which translated means Teacher), “where are you staying?” 39 He said to them, “Come and see.” They came and saw where he was staying, and they remained with him that day. It was about four o’clock in the afternoon. 40 One of the two who heard John speak and followed him was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. 41 He first found his brother Simon and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which is translated Anointed). 42 He brought Simon to Jesus, who looked at him and said, “You are Simon son of John. You are to be called Cephas” (which is translated Peter).

I myself have seen and have testified" John 1:34

It’s no wonder to hear the Gospel speak about John the Baptist as we celebrate Epiphany, referring to the revelation of the Holy Trinity and to Jesus being born as the King of all nations.

What can we learn about John the Baptist or from him?

Reading about how John was preparing for the imminent coming of the Kingdom, his teaching, Jesus’ baptism that he performed, sending his disciples to follow Jesus, his doubt if Jesus was the Messiah, and how and why he was beheaded, we see a man that acts with faith, determination and sticks to his principles.

The birthplace of John the Baptist is in the town of Ein Kerem today. Looking at the surrounding landscape, we can see green hills, feel the fresh dry air, taste the delicious fruits of the region (mainly grapes) and savor their famous wine, enjoy the fresh, running springs and hear the songs of many kinds of birds. We may wonder why he left this beautiful area to move to the desert where he lived in austerity with basic and poor conditions? Then we may understand what the Gospel says about the first disciples, “They left everything and followed Him" Mark 1:18. God can lead us and equip us!

Are we able to leave our easy lives and retire for a few hours into a spiritual desert? Will we listen for God's voice and deepen our faith through a time of meditation, reflection and prayers that lead to real repentance and a closer walk with God?

Could we take John's determination and commitment to his principles as a model of faithfulness to our Christian values? Are we ready to face adversities and impediments that may hinder our awareness of God's presence and voice in our time? Can we face risks with John's courage, being as the Lord speaks about him saying, “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swayed in the wind?" Matthew 11:7?

Our Christian witness should conform to John's conduct combining courage, efficiency and humility. Be a witness for Jesus. "Your acts should shine as a light before men, that they may see your works, and glorify your Father in heaven" Matthew 5:16. Fulfill John's teaching and witness, "He must increase. I must decrease” John 3:30. Here both the Greek and the Syriac versions of the Gospel use the word MUST, which means a substantial component of Christian witness.

Thinking about John's personality and life, consider those who devote their lives to proclaim the Gospel and serve humanity through the Church. Ordained and lay people alike, let us pray for their faithfulness to Christ.

Be like John the Baptist, announcing the Good News with firm determination. May we persevere in our vocations amidst easy and difficult circumstances but, over and above all, with a joyful humility.

Our daylight hours start to lengthen December 22nd, three days before Jesus' birth, and to decline June 22nd, three days before John’s birth so, “He must increase, and I must decrease.”

May our charitable acts reflect what the Gospel says about John the Baptist, “He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light" John 1:8.