1 John 3:7-10
John 1:35-42
We continue today’s gospel from where we stop yesterday. In today’s gospel. As John the Baptist stood with two of his disciples, Jesus passed by them and John the Baptist said; Behold the Lamb of God and two disciples immediately followed Jesus. The Lamb of God came to take away our sins by destroying the works of the devil and reconciling us to the Father by his incarnation, passion, and resurrection The Word of God passes us every day do we follow? Is our obedience prompt enough? Are we ready to see and embrace what God has in stock for us?
Today we celebrate the Church in America the memorial of St .ElizabethAnn Sexton. the first American-born saint.
Elizabeth Ann was raised as an Episcopalian. She married William Seton and helped raise their five children. She was drawn to the Catholic faith by a Catholic family whom she met while traveling in Italy with her husband. After her husband’s untimely death from tuberculosis at age 30, Elizabeth Ann embraced the Catholic faith – subsequently opening a parish school in Baltimore to support her family as well as witness her Catholic faith … despite protests from her anti-Catholic family and friends.
Elizabeth Ann Seton was called by God to help build up the Church in her day. Jesus drew two disciples to himself; Elizabeth Ann joined those early disciples in saying “yes” to Jesus and then worked tirelessly to grow the Church, especially among those on the margins.
This new year, may we deepen our relationship with Jesus – as we encourage others to “come and see” God’s love present in their lives.
Fr Joseph Osho