JOHN’S TESTIMONY ON JESUS

II SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME - John 1:29-34

Immediately after his introduction to the Gospel, where Jesus is presented as the Word Incarnate, the writer of the fourth gospel presents the testimony of John the Baptist about Jesus. It is an extraordinary testimony, spoken out very clearly, and John reports on how revealing his encounter with Jesus was. Recognising Jesus, John recognised his own mission and the meaning of his life: “It was for Him to manifest Himself to Israel that I came to baptize in water”. Recognising his mission,  in all humility, John accepted his own position with its limitations. In spite fo coming after him, Jesus ranks before him because he already existed before him, that is, he existed before the times. In his encounter with Jesus, John became aware that Jesus was divine and therefore eternal. We may ask what led Joh to this conclusion. He saw the Holy Spirit coming down like a dove "and remain on him". Therefore, he recognised him as the Anointed One (Christ, Messiah), the one who comes to baptize in the Holy Spirit. And he made the conclusion: "Now, I saw and I testify that He is the Son of God". Knowing that he is the Son of God, he presented him as "the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world". We have become so used to this title that we are not aware of its meaning. Certainly, for the Jews, the title "lamb of God" had very deep connotations, immediately bringing to mind the lamb of the Easter sacrifice. By giving Jesus the title of “lamb of God”, John announces his death, offered as a paschal sacrifice. As Paul would say. “Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed” (1 Cor 5: 7). He will shed his blood for the remission of sins (Mt 26,28).

JESUS IS THE BELOVED SON OF GOD

THE BAPTISM OF THE LORD - Matthew 3:13-17

In the book of Isaiah, we find four passages called the Songs of the Servant of the Lord (Yahweh), which are of extraordinary beauty and depth. The Church has always understood these passages as speaking of the Messiah and applied them to Jesus Christ. Although called a servant, he has a very close relationship with God and a close connection with the people. He is presented as the beloved of God, the "chosen one in whom my soul delights". God chose him to “bring true justice to the nations”, saying to him, “I have appointed you as covenant of the people and light of the nations, to open the eyes of the blind, to free captives from prison, and those who live in darkness from the dungeon” (Is 42:6-7). His presence among men will be marked by humility and meekness, becoming a source of comfort and hope. “He does not break the crushed reed, nor quench the wavering flame." He will be steadfast and faithful to the mission given to him: "he will neither waver, nor be crushed until true justice is established on earth" Certainly in Isaiah's words we can review the figure of Jesus Christ who came to establish God's New Covenant with men, a covenant of peace and salvation.

In one of his speeches, Peter reminds his listeners of the facts they also know. John preached and baptised. Then came Jesus, anointed "with the power of the Holy Spirit" and "Jesus went about doing good and curing all who had fallen into the power of the devil” (Act 10:34-38). It is from these facts well known to all that Peter is led to recognise and proclaim Jesus as the "Lord of all" and that peace and salvation come through him, being offered to all.

In the account of the baptism, Matthew presents the manifestation (epiphany) of the divine dignity of Jesus. As Jesus approached to be baptised, John recognised him and refused to baptise him, saying, "I need to be baptised by You." At Jesus' insistence, John baptised him, and then a great divine revelation took place. Jesus is anointed by the “Spirit of God,” who descended upon him like a dove, and the voice of God is heard, presenting himself as the Father of Jesus, who is proclaimed as the “beloved Son,” on whom His “favour rests”. At baptism, Jesus of Nazareth is proclaimed as the Son of God, filled with the Spirit, coming into this world to carry out his mission. He comes as Prince of Peace.

We were baptised in Jesus Christ, as His Spirit came upon us, creating us anew as children of God. Being one with Christ, we are the beloved children and God’s favour rests on us.

ALL NATIONS SHALL FALL PROSTRATE BEFORE YOU, O LORD.

EPIPHANY OF THE LORD - Matthew 2:1-12

The world may be going through difficult moments and we may be afraid that there is no way out of the mess we are in. Indeed, as the prophet Isaiah tells us “night covers the earth, and darkness the peoples.” The situation we live in seems to be hopeless. In spite of recognising it, Isaiah makes a proclamation full of hope, founded on God’s promise. Isaiah is never discouraged by the difficulties and sufferings that surround him. He does not allow himself to remain closed within the narrow walls of the present but always looks further into the future. Even though the world is overwhelmed with despair, he remains confident, because “for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.” And he announces to Jerusalem an extraordinary time when the people will walk to this light, and “nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising.” “The abundance of the sea shall be turned to you,

the wealth of the nations shall come to you. A multitude of camels shall cover you, the young camels of Midian and Ephah; all those from Sheba shall come. They shall bring gold and frankincense, and shall bring good news, the praises of the Lord.” (Is 60:1-6). The prophet Isaiah presents clearly a universalist perspective of salvation.

In his letter to the Ephesians (Ep 3:2-3,5-6), Paul gives the meaning of the promise made by God in the prophet Isaiah: God's plan of salvation includes all peoples without exception. The Gentiles - that is, all non-Jews - are the object of the same promise as the Jews: they are part of the same body and will receive the same inheritance as the Jews. God has a plan of salvation for all and he does not exclude anyone from that plan. And Paul presents himself as being called to make explicit this universal design of God.

With the story of the magi, Matthew presents graphically the same statement of God's universal plan: he calls everyone to meet Christ and find life and salvation in him. In the coming of the Magi, Matthew saw the fulfilment of Isaiah's prophecy, in which foreign peoples come from afar to the Light with joy. In the Magi, we see the longing that has led them to an intense search and a restless journey to meet Him who is the light of the nations. Certainly, we can appreciate their effort, persistence and courage that did not allow them to give up. In the hardest moments of their journey, when the star seemed to have disappeared, they asked for help, receiving it from those who, in suspicion and fear, would become Jesus’ enemies. They were being guided by the star of faith and hope that the Spirit of God had brought forth in their hearts. The feast of the Epiphany celebrates the manifestation of Jesus to the Gentiles, represented by the Magi, which tradition has made kings. Christ is recognised as the Saviour of all peoples, and all peoples come to Him by offering the best and the most valuable that they have. To Him belongs honour and praise and glory.

PEACE AS A JOURNEY OF HOPE

MARY, MOTHER OF GOD - Luke 2:16-21

We start the New Year in the company of Mary, the mother of the Lord, to whom we dedicate this first day of the year, putting ourselves under her protection so that she intercedes for us as she did in the wedding at Cana. Today, we celebrate Mary as the Mother of God - or THEOTOKOS, an old title accepted in the Ecumenical Council of Ephesus. It is a title of honour that is an affirmation of her son’s divinity. Jesus is divine because he is the Son of God incarnate. Thus, we start the New Year in the company of Jesus Christ, the Son of God and the Prince of Peace.

 In this first day of the year, we pray in a very special way for peace. Every year, the Pope addresses a message to the Church and the world, pleading for peace and inviting us to reflect on the attitudes necessary for peace. This year, Pope Francis presents us with the theme: PEACE AS A JOURNEY OF HOPE: DIALOGUE, RECONCILIATION AND ECOLOGICAL CONVERSION.

1. Peace, a journey of listening based on memory, solidarity and fraternity. We must bring to memory the violence, the destruction and death suffered by countless people because of so many wars. We must learn with the past so that we do not repeat it. And we must commit ourselves to work hard on the building of peace. “The peace process thus requires enduring commitment. It is a patient effort to seek truth and justice, to honour the memory of victims and to open the way, step by step, to a shared hope stronger than the desire for vengeance. In a state based on law, democracy can be an important paradigm of this process, provided it is grounded in justice and a commitment to protect the rights of every person, especially the weak and marginalised, in a constant search for truth.[6] This is a social undertaking, an ongoing work in which each individual makes his or her contribution responsibly, at every level of the local, national and global community.” (Pope Francis).
2. Peace, a journey of reconciliation in fraternal communion. “The Bible, especially in the words of the Prophets, reminds individuals and peoples of God’s covenant with humanity, which entails renouncing our desire to dominate others and learning to see one another as persons, sons and daughters of God, brothers and sisters. We should never encapsulate others in what they may have said or done, but value them for the promise that they embody. Only by choosing the path of respect can we break the spiral of vengeance and set out on the journey of hope.” (Pope Francis)
3. Peace, a journey of ecological conversion. “If a mistaken understanding of our own principles has at times led us to justify mistreating nature, to exercise tyranny over creation, to engage in war, injustice and acts of violence, we believers should acknowledge that by so doing we were not faithful to the treasures of wisdom which we have been called to protect and preserve.” (Pope Francis).

“May the God of peace bless us and come to our aid. 

May Mary, Mother of the Prince of Peace and Mother of all the peoples of the earth, accompany and sustain us at every step of our journey of reconciliation. 

And may all men and women who come into this world experience a life of peace and develop fully the promise of life and love dwelling in their heart.” (Pope Francis)

May the Lord bestow his blessings on all of you.

Have a happy and blessed New Year.

SUPPORT YOUR PARENTS IN THEIR OLD AGE

THE FEAST OF THE HOLY FAMILY - Sirach 3:2-6,12-14

There is a Bemba proverb, widely used, that summarises the traditional wisdom about the relationship between parents and children. Mayo mpâpa, na ine nkakupâpa, that is: Mother carry me and I will carry you. Towards their children, the parents have the duty of protecting and caring for them. They must provide the most basic things until they can stand on their own and take responsibility for their own lives. To bring up children is a burdensome work for the parents. However, the love they have for their children gives them the strength to endure all difficulties. As the children grow, the parents must step back and allow them the freedom to find their way. Some parents go on treating their children as babies, thus keeping them dependent and unable to stand on their own and make their own decisions. However, when the parents truly love their children, they have to let them go and become themselves. That’s why, as they grow up, all children pass through a phase of revolt, in which they affirm themselves. The parents who are attentive and care for their children know that their relationship towards their children has to change into a strong bond of friendship between adults. And then the time will come when the children will have to carry their parents because they became sick or weak with old age. The book of Sirach deals very clearly with the duty of the children towards their parents:

“Whoever respects his father is atoning for his sins, he who honours his mother is like someone amassing a fortune.” (Sir 3:3-4)

“My son, support your father in his old age,

  do not grieve him during his life.

Even if his mind should fail, show him sympathy,

  do not despise him in your health and strength” (Sir 3:12-13).

Nowadays, it is easy to find many parents who are completely abandoned by their children. To care for their old parents is seen as a costly burden, which they are not ready to carry.

In the gospel (Mt 2:13-15,19-23), we hear how Joseph and Mary were ready for all kinds of hardships to protect the life of the child Jesus. In the middle of the night, they had to run away, so that they would not be caught by Herod’s soldiers. And they went to Egypt as refugees in a foreign land. Maybe, as a carpenter, Joseph was able to earn some money for the family to survive; but he could have faced as well the jealousy of the local people who could not be pleased with a foreigner taking their job. As soon as Herod died, they went back to their homeland, setting their house in Nazareth, in Galilee. There, Jesus grew up, learning with Joseph the trade of carpentry.

LET US SING WITH THE ANGELS

CHRISTMAS DAY - Luke 2:1-14

Why should the birth of a humble child be the point of reference of human history? How did he become a source of hope for so many? 

Jesus' crib in Casa Diocesana do Vilar, Porto

He was born somewhere in Bethlehem, far from his parents home. And there was no place for him. But with him came a promise and the fulfilment of that promise. Trembling with fear, the powerful used violence in an attempt to silence the Promise, to destroy hope and to annihilate life. Those were times when people “walked in darkness” and lived in a “land of deep shadow” (Is 9:2). Those were violent times when the poor were trampled upon as if they were worth nothing. The wealthy, the powerful, the arrogant and the violent dominated the earth. The descendants of Cain seem to have taken over the earth. Like him, they are dominated by pride, envy, jealousy, hatred and a deep thirst for revenge. That’s why human beings never get tired of wars, which they combat with an unimaginable ferocity. It is in such a world soiled by sin that the Son of God comes to live, being born as a humble child in Bethlehem. In him, we find all the beauty of life, a life that is God’s presence in our midst. Even though death seems to claim victory, life comes back always stronger and the birth of any child is an affirmation of life which will overcome all difficulties. With the birth of Jesus, our hope is renewed. Becoming one like us, the Son of God restores our dignity. In spite of poverty, injustice, oppression and violence, our life is worth living. In him, we find a purpose and a reason for living. Indeed, “For there is a child born for us, a son given to us and dominion is laid on his shoulders; and this is the name they give him: Wonder-Counsellor, Mighty-God, Eternal-Father, Prince-of-Peace.” (Is 9:6).

Jesus' crib in Seminário da Boa Nova, Valadares

At Christmas, we celebrate the great mystery of Incarnation, that is the Son of God came to be Emanuel, God-with-us, so that in him we may find the way to life and salvation.

Let us sing with the angels 

Glory to God in the highest, 

to Him who by His great love 

sent us his Son, 

born poor in Bethlehem, 

so that the poor and humiliated 

become God’s children. 

To Him, we sing songs of praise, 

as we approach the Child Jesus with joy.

From him, we receive peace without measure.

 Glory to God in the highest,

and on earth peace among those 

with whom he is pleased!

JOSEPH WAS A MAN OF HONOUR

IV SUNDAY OF ADVENT - Matthew 1:18-24

The Gospels present two narratives of annunciation: one centred on Mary (Lk 1:26-38) and the other centred on Joseph (Mt 1:18-24). We may say that the Gospel of Matthew presents the birth of Jesus seen from Joseph's perspective. In the gospels, we are told very little about Joseph. He belonged to the house of David (Mt 1:20; Lk 1:27; 2:4) and he was living in Nazareth (Lk 2:4) and earning his living as a carpenter (Mt 13:55). Jesus was known as “the son of Joseph” (Jn 1:45; 6:42). He played his role as father and husband, protecting both the mother and the child when Herod threatened the baby Jesus’ life (Mt 1:13-15). And then he fell into obscurity as if he were present only when he was needed. His character is described in a simple but strong brush stroke: he was a "just man” or a “man of honour”. And his attitudes were determined by his righteousness. Having found out that Mary was pregnant, he was faced with a big dilemma. He was sure of one thing: the pregnancy was not his. Thus, filled with anger, jealousy and frustration, he could denounce Mary and have her punished for her supposed misbehaviour. If he did that, Mary would be stoned to death. However, he could not bring himself to such an outcome. He shivered at the thought of having his beloved’s blood on his hands. On the other hand, he could not see himself, accepting Mary as if nothing had happened. So the only solution that seemed reasonable to him was to disappear in secret, and all the blame would fall on him. He preferred this last solution, which was not a solution since he was running away from a very difficult situation. It was then that God came to his rescue, making it known to him that the promise of the Saviour was going to be fulfilled and that this fulfilment would pass through Mary: "She will give birth to a son and you must name him Jesus because he is the one who is to save his people from their sins.” Joseph was called to assume an important role in the life of the Messiah and he accepted it in all obedience and humility. And he did “what the angel of the Lord had told him to do: he took his wife to his home.” He provided a loving, secure and stable home for Jesus, in such a way that Jesus came to be known as the “carpenter’s son” (Mt 13:55). Joseph accepted God’s ways and put himself at the service of His will.

Psalm 24 helps us to reflect on people like Joseph. Indeed “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” (Mt 5:8) 

Who shall climb the mountain of the Lord?

  Who shall stand in his holy place?

The man with clean hands and pure heart,

  who desires not worthless things.

Let the Lord enter! He is the king of glory.

He shall receive blessings from the Lord

  and reward from the God who saves him.

Such are the men who seek him,

  seek the face of the God of Jacob. (Psalm 24)