It is the joy of any parent to introduce their child to everyone around. We take pride in our children and even their little achievements. The Heavenly Father is no different.

God speaks through the prophet Isaiah about his Chosen One that he has a much greater plan for his suffering servant; that he will not only gather the people of Israel together but also be a light to the Gentiles, taking his salvation to the ends of the earth.

In the Gospel proclamation, we meet John the Baptist, who had heard the Father’s introduction to his beloved Son when John baptised him in the river Jordan.

At the height of the ministry of John the Baptist, he is focusing the spotlight on the One who came to be baptised by him just the other day, declaring him as the long awaited Messiah.

It looks like John’s encounter with Jesus had brought the realisation that powerful preaching alone could not bring inner transformation to people’s lives. Not only did he demote himself as being unworthy to untie the sandals of Jesus, but was declaring the true purpose of his life and ministry as the one going before the Promised One. John had completed his assignment. Further, he prophesied and proclaimed that the Messiah’s purpose and mission is to baptise everyone with the Holy Spirit.

This is the truth about our own lives too. We will be living in a false reality until we encounter the Lord Jesus, who will put everything in its correct perspective.

Are we being misunderstood and humiliated by those who are around us? Have we received bad news about our own health or of a loved one? Are we facing a financial crisis or an unexpected disaster? Run to the One who will accept our own truth of the current situation and give us his truth, and put everything in heaven’s perspective. Then we can receive the light and freedom that John enjoyed after his encounter with the Lord Jesus at the Jordan.

In today’s Second Reading Saint Paul outlines the result of that encounter with the Lord. We will have joyous grace and endless peace from the Father and the Lord Jesus, the Anointed One.

“The Greek word for God’s grace is “Charis”. It implies God’s favour and supernatural potency, leaving us both charming and beautiful in whatever circumstances we may be. Who would not want to possess this treasure that every human heart is yearning for?”

Prayer: Abba Father, thank you for sending your Son, to lift me up from the desolate pit I was in, to be in your arms. Amen.