HOMILY FOR 6TH OF JANUARY (BEFORE EPIPHANY)

Homily for the 6th of January (Before Epiphany)

1 John 5:5-13;  Mark 1:7-11.

In the first reading of today from the first letter of St. John. St John, guides us to answer the question on who can overcome the world? He says: Only the Man who believes that Jesus is the Son of God" (1Jn 5:5). By this believe or faith in Jesus Christ is demonstrated by testimony, witnessing and good deeds. For he says, Jesus Christ who came by water and blood, not with water only but by water and blood; with the Holy Spirit as another witness...there are three witnesses, the Spirit, the water and the blood and all thelree of them agree" (1jn 5:6-8).

Many theologian have argued that the water refers to Jesus' divinty whereas his blood speaks of his humanity (two nature's of Christ). Hence, it is insufficient to cast our faith or believe simply by words on Jesus as the Son of God, rather by our deeds and good example demonstrate in conformity with the Holy Spirit our faith-witnessing to the Son of God. 

Dearest brother and sister in Christ, how do you demonstrate your faith in Jesus? Remember the words of St. James: "Faith without good work is dead". 

The Gospel reading of today's liturgy illuminates the humility of John despite being the one that baptized Jesus. John said: "The one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the thing of his sandals" (Mk 1:7). John the Baptist was a very humble man. To untie the sandals was the function of slaves. By implication, John did not find himself worthy of being a slave to Christ. However, Jesus can be said to be more humble that John the Baptist, because in his greatness, he suited to the baptism of John.

Dearest brothers and sisters in Christ, humility is the mother of all virtues. It in humility of heart can we be able to birth all the required Christian virtues. Are you a humble man? Are you arrogant and proud? Remember, a proud man is an abomination before God (Proverbs 6:5)

May God continue to nurture in us this day the spirit of humility that we may be witnesses to the Gospel of Christ in the whole world.

Remain Blessed

Fr Remi Osj