2 January 2024 - Only By Grace Reflections

TOPIC: DO YOU SEE THE VALUE OF YOUR SERVICE TO OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST?

First Reading: First John 2: 22-28
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 98: 1, 2-3ab, 3cd-4
Alleluia: Hebrews 1: 1-2
Gospel: John 1: 19-28

In our Gospel today, St. John the Baptist is described as playing a very crucial role in preparing for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He had already gained a lot of followers, but it was very clear to him that he was only there to prepare the way for someone else. As he put it, he was not worthy to untie the sandal strap of that someone else - our Lord Jesus Christ.

Sometimes the challenge in serving our God is the desire to be affirmed or to be recognized, to be praised for our sacrifices and the ideas and inputs we contribute to the success of the program, ministry, or area we are serving.

But St. John reminds us of the right posture we should adopt in serving our God ⏤ that while we each have a role to play, it is not important that we are acknowledged as the major player, as someone who deserves to be acknowledged. However, we should also remember that whatever role is entrusted to us, we will be used by the Lord to bless others.

This is the 1348th installment of our CFC contemplation series focusing on the daily liturgical readings.

[NOTE: As we continue to pray for Bro Bong Arjonillo’s healing and recovery, let us listen to our brother Lawrence Quintero, a member of the CFC International Council, as he brings us today's reflection.

All the regular reflections are between 3-7 minutes long, enough time for us to ponder what God's message is for us individually and to pray that we may live them out in our lives. This video is also available on Couples for Christ’s Facebook page. In You Tube, just type ONLY BY GRACE REFLECTIONS]