A reading from the gospel according to John 1:19-28
19 This is the testimony of John. When the Jews from Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to him to ask him, “Who are you?”
20 He admitted and did not deny it, but admitted, “I am not the Christ.”
21 So they asked him, “What are you then? Are you Elijah?” And he said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” He answered, “No.”
22 So they said to him, “Who are you, so we can give an answer to those who sent us? What do you have to say for yourself?”
23 He said: “I am the voice of one crying out in the desert, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord,’ as Isaiah the prophet said.”
24 Some Pharisees were also sent.
25 They asked him, “Why then do you baptize if you are not the Christ or Elijah or the Prophet?”
26 John answered them, “I baptize with water; but there is one among you whom you do not recognize,
27 the one who is coming after me, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to untie.”
28 This happened in Bethany across the Jordan, where John was baptizing.
Gospel Reflection: John 1:19-28
When somebody asks, “Who are you?”, how do you answer? Perhaps you will mention your job or profession. Maybe you will also utter being a son or daughter of your parents. It would be very rare for someone to say, “I am a child of God”. Yet it is the truth and whether we accept it or not, we are all children of God. Baptism only makes it official. Of course, there are a lot of people who do deny this fact because they don’t believe in God in the first place.
Indeed, Christ lives in us and among us. Yet many do not recognize this truth or refuse to do so. John the Baptist knew this (verse 26). Yes, even if the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us (John 1:14), many people do not recognize it. We may be some kind of well-educated people like the Pharisees but without the eyes of faith, it is impossible to recognize the presence of God in our lives.
Still, let us all be the modern John the Baptist who will continue to carry out the mission of preparing for the way of the Lord. He has already come but He will come again. There may be many obstacles as we perform this mission but nothing can stop us. The Christ in us is alive and He is our strength, not only for this day but for the rest of our lives. Let us be the voice crying out in the desert proclaiming the Good News of salvation.
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In the Gospel reading above, we encounter a powerful exchange between John the Baptist and the religious leaders who question him about his identity and mission. John’s responses are marked by humility, clarity, and a focus on Christ. This passage offers timeless lessons for us as we reflect on our identity, purpose, and testimony.
The priests and Levites approach John with a pressing question: “Who are you?” John’s reply is striking: “I am not the Messiah.” This simple statement reveals profound humility. John was a man of great influence, drawing crowds to the wilderness with his fiery preaching and call to repentance. Yet, he was clear about his role—he was not the Savior, but a voice preparing the way for Him. His identity was rooted in his relationship with God and his mission to point others to Christ.
In a world obsessed with self-promotion and personal achievement, John’s example challenges us to find our true identity not in worldly accolades or roles, but in our relationship with God. We are not defined by what we achieve or the titles we hold. Instead, our identity is anchored in being beloved children of God and faithful servants of His kingdom. This truth frees us from the pressure to prove ourselves and redirects our focus to glorifying Christ.
John’s mission was clear: he was “the voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way for the Lord’” (John 1:23). He saw himself as a messenger, preparing hearts for the coming of Jesus. This clarity of purpose is inspiring and instructive for us. Each of us has a unique calling to prepare the way for Christ in our spheres of influence. Whether through acts of kindness, sharing the gospel, or living a life that reflects God’s love, we are called to be His messengers in the world.
When pressed further about his authority to baptize, John points to the One who is greater: “Among you stands one you do not know. He is the one who comes after me, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie” (John 1:26-27). This statement underscores John’s reverence for Christ and his deep awareness of Jesus’ divine nature. It’s a reminder that our lives should always point to Jesus, not ourselves. We are not the light, but we are called to bear witness to the Light.
As we reflect on this passage, it challenges us to examine our lives. Are we rooted in humility, knowing who we are in Christ? Are we clear about our mission to prepare the way for Him? And does our testimony point others to Jesus? Like John, we are called to be voices in the wilderness, proclaiming the hope, peace, and salvation found in Christ alone.
This message is especially relevant in times of uncertainty and division. The world needs voices that proclaim truth, embody grace, and point to the Savior. Let us embrace our calling with courage and humility, remembering that our ultimate purpose is to glorify God. May we, like John, faithfully prepare the way for Christ in our lives and in the lives of others.
