The Implications of knowing Jesus

Homily of the 3rd of January 2025 Most Holy Name of Jesus By Fr Oluwafemi Victor Orilua, CSSp 1 John 2:29-3:6, John 1:29-34

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We often seek human connections, looking for individuals who can endorse or support us. Sometimes, we leverage the platforms of those who have achieved recognition, and we align ourselves with influencers to gain visibility through their influence. However, this pursuit comes with risks. We may focus solely on the benefits of these associations and overlook the potential challenges that come with them. The same connections that elevate us can also expose us to their struggles and setbacks. Whatever impacts them inevitably affects us as well.

On the other hand, knowing Jesus entails embracing everything about him. We must be ready to share his life, his suffering and death. Those are what we embraced at baptism through which we received a mark which cannot be effaced. We must embody his righteousness so that we may be his true ambassadors.

“You know that God is righteous –then you must recognise that everyone whose life is righteous has been begotten by him. Think of the love that the Father has lavished on us, by letting us be called God’s children; and that is what we are. Because the world refused to acknowledge him, therefore it does not acknowledge us.”

Through Jesus Christ, we are born anew. We are called to stand out, embracing both his triumphs and the trials He endured. John the Baptist immediately pointed others to him, declaring his significance the moment he saw him approaching. This was because there was something distinctive about him.  John declared,

 “I saw the Spirit coming down on him from heaven like a dove and resting on him. I did not know him myself, but he who sent me to baptise with water had said to me, “The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and rest is the one who is going to baptise with the Holy Spirit.” Yes, I have seen, and I am the witness that he is the Chosen One of God.”

The mark of God’s ownership in us through Christ should distinguish us from others. Let us pray for the grace to fully embrace the life of him who suffered and died for our sake, so that we may share in his glory as true children of God.

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