Remain

Greetings on this the Christmas Weekday
Readings: 1 John 2:29–3:6; Psalm 98:1, 3cd-4, 5-6; John 1:29-34

Summary

The one who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘On whomever you see the Spirit come down and remain, he is the one who will baptize with the holy Spirit (Jn 1:33).

The Holy Spirit comes down upon us and will remain with us as the Holy Spirit did with Jesus. This is the whole point.

Reflection

In our first reading today, John’s letter reminds us that we are to stay with the Lord as children: remain in him, so that when he appears we may have confidence and not be put to shame by him at his coming. No one who remains in him sins; no one who sins has seen him or known him. (1 Jn 2:28, 3:6).

We do need to want him to remain!
John describes what remain looks like:

1. Righteous (being in right relation with your fellow man).
2. Loving – as the Lord loves us.
3. Adoption – our Yes to his indwelling offer.
4. Hope – life is better.
5. Purity – a reflective action of being in love.
6. Taking away of sin – actual and near occasion.

We are to resist the temptation to be lawless and habitual sin.

Personal Reflection

The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world. Now I have seen and testified that he is the Son of God. (Jn 1:29, 34). Jesus remains in the Spirit even as he grows, labors, and suffers.

Children of God, yet so we are. So we too should remain.

Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/010326.cfm

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry