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."-Jn 1:26
God is good, all the time.
Friends: Today's gospel highlights John's testimony about Jesus as the focus of divine attraction. Understand that the peak of John's ministry had coincided with Jesus' baptism. We notice from other accounts how the heavens opened, the Holy Spirit descended, and the Father spoke clearly, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him, I am well pleased" (Matt 3:17).
It is quite probable that John had inspired colossal attention with that baptism. His remarkable sanctity, zeal, and powerful preaching had impressed the people so much that it reached the Sanhedrin that he might be the Messiah. But John's unadulterated and straightforward response to the representatives of the Sanhedrin, "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" would refer to the divine attraction of Christ and the Christian baptism to be inaugurated by him.
Baptism is the first divine attraction towards a relationship with God and the church. It is the flaming bush yet unburned, which attracted Moses to discover God and start a lasting relationship with the Israelites. But the attraction of baptism must always be complemented by the inner adventurousness as demonstrated by Christian parents in seeking baptism for their new baby. Because our baptism grafts us to the person of Christ, we become one with Christ as the sources of divine attraction to others.
How are you going to put your baptismal character in front of you attract others in your family and circle of friends to a strong relationship with God and the church this year? Find ways to demonstrate personal sanctity and zeal that appeal to others, and do not fear to invite others to come back to the church.
Prayer blessings: Father of all creation and goodness, you make little flakes of snow turn into heaps of mountains right before our eyes; help me to do little things with extraordinary love and passion for others so that they may constitute divine attraction to them. Amen.