“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 unt

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

“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.”

Gospel Reading: John 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.

In today’s Gospel, we hear another proclamation that Christ is among us. The Pharisees have sent messengers out to John the Baptist to see who he is. John did such a great job that some thought that he might be the Messiah. But he was clear in his response, “I am not Christ… I am the voice of one crying out in the desert.” John’s mission was to lead others to Christ; to “make straight the way of the Lord.” John was the pregame announcer making sure that everyone knew that Christ now dwells among us. John heralded the way of Christ. The Holy Spirit filled John the Baptist and gave him the strength to lead the way to Christ. The big question is, “Do you recognize Christ in your life?” John was blasting the trumpets and crying at the top of his lungs, “Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the World!” Today, we are given the same mission. Christ is among us and we must make straight the way of the Lord. We must make the commitment to live a life worthy of Christ. It is our job to lead others to Christ. Maybe the real question should be, “Do others recognize Christ in me?” Our New Years’ resolution should focus on making sure that we are witnesses of Christ.

A Simple Prayer

Lord Jesus Christ, you are the Lamb of God.

Make me the servant of your Word.

Help me to be faithful to your mission.

Let me make straight the way of the Lord.

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon