This Is God's Chosen One

 

 Jn 1:29-34

John Testifies About Jesus

²⁹ The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! ³⁰ This is the one I meant when I said, ‘A man who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.’ ³¹ I myself did not know him, but the reason I came baptizing with water was that he might be revealed to Israel.”

³² Then John gave this testimony: “I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on him. ³³ And I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’ ³⁴ I have seen and I testify that this is God’s Chosen One.”

Today  is the optional memorial of the Holy Name of Jesus. Richard Rolle, a fourteen century mystic and writer of devotional books and biblical translations, wrote, "Truly, the name of Jesus is helpful and must be loved by all who desire salvation.  He well desires his own salvation who busily keeps within him the name of Jesus." John the Baptist calls Jesus the Lamb of God and testifies that he is the Chosen One, filled with the Spirit of God who will baptize with the Holy Spirit and take away the sins of the world. We are still in the Christmas season, and as part of our reflections on what the effects the Birth of Jesus has had on us, we might ponder the name of Jesus, treasure it, give thanks for it and spread respect and devotion to it. 

Bro. Rene

Dear Jesus, I love and treasure your holy name. May I be a witness to it and help others appreciate and love it as well. Amen.