Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: January 11, 2025

Date: Saturday after Epiphany

Scripture Text: John 3:22-30

Jesus and his disciples went into the region of Judea, where he spent some time with them baptizing. John was also baptizing in Aenon near Salim, because there was an abundance of water there, and people came to be baptized, for John had not yet been imprisoned. Now a dispute arose between the disciples of John and a Jew about ceremonial washings. So, they came to John and said to him, “Rabbi, the one who was with you across the Jordan, to whom you testified, here he is baptizing, and everyone is coming to him.”

John answered and said, “No one can receive anything except what has been given from heaven. You yourselves can testify that I said that I am not the Christ, but that I was sent before him. The one who has the bride is the bridegroom; the best man, who stands and listens for him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom’s voice. So, this joy of mine has been made complete. He must increase; I must decrease.”

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

The gospel reading for today from the Gospel of John reports that John the Baptist was in Judea baptizing and recounts John the Baptist’s response when questioned about Jesus’ presence and also baptizing people. His response demonstrates his humble recognition of Jesus as the Messiah, the Christ.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

Do I humbly acknowledge Jesus as Christ and my savior? Do I actively and humbly seek to allow Christ to increase in my mind, heart, and soul?

Praying:

LORD, Jesus Christ, Son of God, our Savior, we turn to You this day and open ourselves to You – our minds, our hearts, our very souls. We lift our voices in prayer and seek You and your loving power and presence in our world, in our moments, in our hearts and minds. You promised to remain with us if we love You by keeping your commandments. Remain with us, Christ, and send your Spirit to strengthen our resolve to live as the ones You call us to be, your disciples, your sister and brothers, now and forever, to the glory of our Almighty Father. Amen.