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Manila Bulletin

Opinion

John was a burning and shining lamp

Opinion

John was a burning and shining lamp

By Manila Bulletin

REFLECTIONS TODAY

Light pervades at the start of Simbang Gabi or Dawn Masses: the light that guides the steps of the faithful going to Mass, and the light announced in the Liturgy of the Word. In the Gospel, Jesus speaks of John the Baptist as a “burning and shining lamp,” in whose light people were content to rejoice in his light. John’s light is a reflected light because the true light is Jesus Christ, the Word-made-flesh. John came to testify to this Light, to make him known to Israel (Jn 1:31). People rejoice in John because they know him to be a prophet announcing that the Kingdom of heaven was near. Tax collectors, in particular, came to receive John’s baptism and acknowledged the righteousness of God (Lk 7:29). They and others deemed as sinners rejoice just like the foreigners in the First Reading. Isaiah speaks of the time when Jews and foreigners (Gentiles) would gather in God’s holy mountain and present offerings acceptable to the Lord. The Responsorial Psalm also gives voice to this dream of God: “O God, let all the nations praise you.” This dream will find fulfillment in Jesus Christ who by his death and resurrection breaks down the dividing wall of enmity between Jews and Gentiles (Eph 2:14). Jesus Christ, our Peace, reconciles sinful mankind with God and with one another.

Source: “366 Days with the Lord 2024,” St. Paul’s, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; E-mail: [email protected]. Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.

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