All About God

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/010215.cfm) reminds me that life should be all about God.

As we start another year, it is good to be reminded early on who this year, and our life, should be all about.

A lot of people want attention. They want focus on themselves. There are people who would join a conversation and always relate the topic to themselves, thus eventually shifting the attention to them. While this is not inherently a sin, it may lead into sin. If we focus too much on ourselves, if we always want attention to ourselves, then we may forget God and his will.

Life is not about how great you are as a person, but about how great you are because of God.

In the gospel, we see a good example of how we should act. John lived his life preparing the way for Jesus. He did not want attention, and he did not succumb to the temptation to enjoy the attention and take it away from God.

It is not bad to achieve a lot of things. In fact, God created us in his own image and likeness, and therefore we are destined for great things. However, these accomplishments should not make us proud. We should remember that no matter how many achievements we have, or how much people compliment us, everything came from God, and thus we should always bring the glory and attention back to Him.

What are my greatest achievements? Do I remember to thank God for them? How do I respond when people praise me for my achievements? What goals do I have for this year? Where does God stand in reference to my goals?

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another Friday. Thank you for another opportunity to get to know you more. Thank you for the reminder. Lord, I am sorry for the times I become proud and forget you. Sorry for thinking that my own effort, skills or talents got me where I am. I pray that I always be reminded of you, of your love, and your blessings in my life. May I always glorify you and bring back all the praise and acknowledgement to you. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

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January 2, 2015

Lectionary: 205

Reading 1 1 Jn 2:22-28

Beloved:

Who is the liar?

Whoever denies that Jesus is the Christ.

Whoever denies the Father and the Son, this is the antichrist.

Anyone who denies the Son does not have the Father,

but whoever confesses the Son has the Father as well.

Let what you heard from the beginning remain in you.

If what you heard from the beginning remains in you,

then you will remain in the Son and in the Father.

And this is the promise that he made us: eternal life.

I write you these things about those who would deceive you.

As for you,

the anointing that you received from him remains in you,

so that you do not need anyone to teach you.

But his anointing teaches you about everything and is true and not false;

just as it taught you, remain in him.

And now, children, remain in him,

so that when he appears we may have confidence

and not be put to shame by him at his coming.

Responsorial Psalm PS 98:1, 2-3ab, 3cd-4R. (3cd) All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.

Sing to the LORD a new song,

for he has done wondrous deeds;

His right hand has won victory for him,

his holy arm.

R. All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.

The LORD has made his salvation known:

in the sight of the nations he has revealed his justice.

He has remembered his kindness and his faithfulness

toward the house of Israel.

R. All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.

All the ends of the earth have seen

the salvation by our God.

Sing joyfully to the LORD, all you lands;

break into song; sing praise.

R. All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.

Alleluia Heb 1:1-2R. Alleluia, alleluia.

In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets;

in these last days, he has spoken to us through the Son.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel Jn 1:19-28

This is the testimony of John.

When the Jews from Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to him

to ask him, “Who are you?”

He admitted and did not deny it, but admitted,

“I am not the Christ.”

So they asked him,

“What are you then? Are you Elijah?”

And he said, “I am not.”

“Are you the Prophet?”

He answered, “No.”

So they said to him,

“Who are you, so we can give an answer to those who sent us?

What do you have to say for yourself?”

He said:

“I am the voice of one crying out in the desert,

‘Make straight the way of the Lord,’

as Isaiah the prophet said.”

Some Pharisees were also sent.

They asked him,

“Why then do you baptize

if you are not the Christ or Elijah or the Prophet?”

John answered them,

“I baptize with water;

but there is one among you whom you do not recognize,

the one who is coming after me,

whose sandal strap I am not worthy to untie.”

This happened in Bethany across the Jordan,

where John was baptizing.