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Manila Bulletin devider Opinion devider I was sent before him

I was sent before him

Published Jan 10, 2026 12:05 am
REFLECTIONS TODAY
John the Evangelist notes that aside from John the Baptist and the Pharisees, Jesus and his disciples are also involved in baptizing people. Baptism or immersion in water is a symbol of repentance, as the baptism administered by John; it might also serve as some ceremonial washing before joining a religious party like that of the Pharisees. If Jesus and his disciples did baptize, it is not yet the rite of giving the Holy Spirit which would only take place when Jesus would rise from the dead. This would be the “Christian baptism” made in the name of the risen Lord or with the Trinitarian formula, the first sacrament in the early Church.
The disciples of John the Baptist complain of competition, but John is one who knows exactly his place in God’s plan. He is not the Messiah, but one sent before him to prepare his way. His baptism of repentance is precisely to prepare for the coming of Jesus whom he has pointed out as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. Speaking of the Bridegroom who takes as his bride God’s people, John refers to himself as the shushben, the best man, who prepares for the wedding. Speaking of baptism, John refers to his own as baptizing with water, but the Messiah will baptize with the Holy Spirit. Indeed, Jesus must increase in the eyes of people, while John must decrease.
First Reading • 1 Jn 5:14-21
Beloved: We have this confidence in him that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in regard to whatever we ask, we know that what we have asked him for is ours. If anyone sees his brother sinning, if the sin is not deadly, he should pray to God and he will give him life. This is only for those whose sin is not deadly. There is such a thing as deadly sin, about which I do not say that you should pray. All wrongdoing is sin, but there is sin that is not deadly.
We know that anyone begotten by God does not sin; but the one begotten by God he protects, and the Evil One cannot touch him. We know that we belong to God, and the whole world is under the power of the Evil One. We also know that the Son of God has come and has given us discernment to know the one who is true. And we are in the one who is true, in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life. Children, be on your guard against idols.
Source: “365 Days with the Lord 2026,” 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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