Sermon Thoughts – 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time - A- (Jn 1, 29-34)
"Man, know thyself": many of us know this statement:
It is a philosophical statement with which many people had occupied for decades ... or are still dealing.
Then man is “continually in search of his BEIN”.
"Man, know thyself": many of us know this statement:
It is a philosophical statement with which many people had occupied for decades ... or are still dealing.
Then man is “continually in search of his BEIN”.
Religiously expressed: “Enlightenment” ...
This can be as different as:
1. “Self recognition”: knowing who I am, what are my skills and weakness.
2. “Recognizing the surroundings”: there I get to know other people and my surroundings as well...
3. God-Recognition: this is not the last but the most important one.
For this one needs the first 2 of course.
I don’t want to give a lecture on this “Recognition of selves” here:
but in today's Gospel we come across with a person in whom all these are perfectly harmonized. It is John the Baptist.
He knew at first who he is. Even many considered him as the Messiah he rejects it.
This can be as different as:
1. “Self recognition”: knowing who I am, what are my skills and weakness.
2. “Recognizing the surroundings”: there I get to know other people and my surroundings as well...
3. God-Recognition: this is not the last but the most important one.
For this one needs the first 2 of course.
I don’t want to give a lecture on this “Recognition of selves” here:
but in today's Gospel we come across with a person in whom all these are perfectly harmonized. It is John the Baptist.
He knew at first who he is. Even many considered him as the Messiah he rejects it.
He knew that the Messiah is highly expected in that time.
But knew that he is the preparer for the Messiah.
“Recognition of the Surroundings” happens here.
He knew where and for what he is born. He accomplishes this task wonderfully.
He now says quite clearly, “I did not know him,
but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me…”
Here we see two features John.
John admits what he is. John may know Jesus as person, because they were relatives, but not his divinity. His knowledge of Jesus as Messiah is' not for his “ability” but it's more of a “Divine revelation.”
Here we see not only his frankness that only accepts what he is, but also what God can ...
There is a clear message ... for all of us.
One comes to faith only by God. Faith is God's grace.
That was his God-recognition:
“Recognition / Enlightment” is important in our daily lives.
If I know who I am, then I can slowly understand others.
If someone believes that he is bigger and greater than others, it is a beginning of a problem.
Not only in Iran or the United States or in other Political spheres...
but also in our families, in our company,
or so even in the churches, unfortunately, this is present as a “disease”.
He knew where and for what he is born. He accomplishes this task wonderfully.
He now says quite clearly, “I did not know him,
but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me…”
Here we see two features John.
John admits what he is. John may know Jesus as person, because they were relatives, but not his divinity. His knowledge of Jesus as Messiah is' not for his “ability” but it's more of a “Divine revelation.”
Here we see not only his frankness that only accepts what he is, but also what God can ...
There is a clear message ... for all of us.
One comes to faith only by God. Faith is God's grace.
That was his God-recognition:
“Recognition / Enlightment” is important in our daily lives.
If I know who I am, then I can slowly understand others.
If someone believes that he is bigger and greater than others, it is a beginning of a problem.
Not only in Iran or the United States or in other Political spheres...
but also in our families, in our company,
or so even in the churches, unfortunately, this is present as a “disease”.
Man thinks and acts like “God” ... and our world transforms in to a world of small gods.
When we realize we are only instruments of God, then we have peace ... and it is the Message of John the Baptist.
My friends, in that sense, I think John the Baptist is an important example for us ... is not for Catholics or Christians ... but for all who long for peace, happiness and freedom.
He exhorts:
Know thyself ...
don’t go after wrong and mismatching positions.
It will destroy your peace and life.
Know your surroundings: in the family, in society, in your job, in faith ... bring peace and joy.
Know your God.
Faith is not a product of the brain, and sciences.
Theology can produce many more dogmas but it is God who plants the faith in him in our hearts.
May God of Wisdom, help us all. Amen!
My friends, in that sense, I think John the Baptist is an important example for us ... is not for Catholics or Christians ... but for all who long for peace, happiness and freedom.
He exhorts:
Know thyself ...
don’t go after wrong and mismatching positions.
It will destroy your peace and life.
Know your surroundings: in the family, in society, in your job, in faith ... bring peace and joy.
Know your God.
Faith is not a product of the brain, and sciences.
Theology can produce many more dogmas but it is God who plants the faith in him in our hearts.
May God of Wisdom, help us all. Amen!
-
Fr Thomas Kalathil
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