FRIDAY BEFORE EPIPHANY, JANUARY 2, 2026

MASS READINGS:

Gospel

John 1:19-28

This is the testimony of John. When the Jews from Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to him to ask him, “Who are you?” he admitted and did not deny it, but admitted, “I am not the Christ.” So they asked him, “What are you then? Are you Elijah?” And he said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” He answered, “No.” 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?” 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.” Some Pharisees were also sent. They asked him, “Why then do you baptize if you are not the Christ or Elijah or the Prophet?” John answered them, “I baptize with water; but there is one among you whom you do not recognize, the one who is coming after me, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to untie.” This happened in Bethany across the Jordan, where John was baptizing.

REFLECTION

but there is one among you whom you do not recognize

Pope Leo XIV recently recommended the book by Brother Lawrence, The Practice of the Presence of God. Brother Lawrence, 17th century Discalced Carmelite, was clumsy and inept and in his simple writings we see God's revelation to him on the secrets to holiness. Holiness even in the most mundane life!!

Foremost, the presence of God in our life is very crucial and we should have constant loving awareness that He is with us at all time. The soul constantly communicates with God. Brother Lawrence took delight in His company, conversing lovingly and humbly with Him. Making it a practice to diligently seek His presence, it became a habit and a means to fight temptation, suffering, weariness and difficult people.

If we do not know God, we cannot recognize Him. How then can we pray to Him without being with Him and He with us? All good things should be habits well formed and a means to reach God. The more we love God, the more He will grow in us. When we love Him, all we do will be for Him.

St John the Baptist promised one greater than he was coming, whose sandal strap he was not worthy to untie. This new year, simplify your life, find solace in God being present at all times with us, speak to Him and let Him guide you throughout the day.

God Bless You