1.10.14

                

Lectio:  Jn 3.22-34                          
                                                                              
Meditatio: “You yourselves can testify that I said [that] I am not the Messiah, but that U was sent before him. The one who has the bride is the bridegroom, the best man, who stands and listens fro him, rejoices greatly at the birdegroom’s voice.” Jn 3.28,29a
                  
Oratio: O God, how marvelous was John the Baptist in testifying for Jesus and in acknowledging his role so that no one would misunderstand!          

I remember John the Baptist again tesified as to the identity of Jesus and himself when a dispute arose about Jesus also baptizing; and John made it clear that he, John, was only the best man, a role which put him in service to the bridegroom, Jesus, for all understood that is the role of the best man.                   

Grant that I may always remember that I stand in the place of John the Baptist today and my role is to make known the identity of Jesus to those who do not yet know Him - a role that I have by virtue of my baptism.

I ask this and all things in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with You
and the Holy Spirit, one God,  forever and ever.

Contemplatio: spend some time in silence and meditate on the selected passage and hear what
God is saying to you.

Operatio: reflect: “best man...bridegroom;” a best man has the role to prepare and to support the bridegroom with regards to his wedding; and by John identifying himself as the best man the people of his day clearly understood his role of preparing the way for Jesus, the bridegroom; and seek the grace to be a modern best man by preparing the way for Jesus in our lives so that He may be manifested to those whose lives we touch and who do not know Him. May Jesus, who manifestation to the Magi we celebrate today, be praised!

Tomorrow's reading: Mt 3.13-17