Friday, January 10, 2014


Friday after the Epiphany

(I John 5:5-13; Luke 5:12-16)

Today’s first reading speaks of the Spirit of Jesus testifying to his being Son of God.  It is saying what Jesus himself expresses in the synagogue of Nazareth according to Luke’s gospel: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me…”  That is, Jesus’ marvelous deeds give testimony to his divine origin.  Something very similar can be said about Jesus’ followers.

Christians, including us, have been given the Spirit at Baptism to perform loving deeds.  We are enabled to assist others without concern for personal gain.  Indeed, we can help the oppressed even though it may bring about some loss.  One man has driven fifty miles every week for over five years to visit inmates in a state prison.  He is a cursillista who chose prison ministry as his apostolate.

Some of us are called to give further testimony.  These are the martyrs like the 500 Christians in India who were slaughtered by Hindu radicals in 2008.  Their adhesion to the faith despite the constant threat of persecution gives the most eloquent testimony to Jesus’ Spirit acting in them as well as Jesus’ being God’s Son.