Daily Gospel Reflection for January 2, 2013

Today's Gospel: John 1:19-28

"Who am I?"

It's a question I was pretty confident answering in my teens. It's a question I thought I was better understanding through my 20s. And now, near the end of my 30s, I have to admit: I don't have a good answer.

So often, the answer to who I am is linked to the question of what I do. For the last couple of years, though, I've been reflecting on advice my spiritual director gives me with the patience of a saint: we are human beings, not human doings.

John's answer in today's Gospel is one that bears study. It bears discussion by people smarter and more learned than I.

But to me, amid the ceaseless laundry and tireless wondering, the answer speaks volumes. His answer points to Jesus.

And I don't need to look any further than Him, do I?

Ponder:

Who are you? And whose are you?

Pray:

Saint John, help me to be, like you, one who points others to Jesus, who speaks with my actions and doesn't hesitate to obey.

Copyright 2014 Sarah Reinhard