"We are just one day past New Year’s Day. By now, the fireworks have faded, and the resolutions are fresh on the paper. But there is a ...
"We are just one day past New Year’s Day. By now, the fireworks have faded, and the resolutions are fresh on the paper. But there is a spiritual danger that comes with starting something new: the temptation to reinvent ourselves into something we are not. Today’s readings offer us an antidote through three 'I's: Identity, Integrity, and Intimacy.
First, Identity. In the Gospel, the priests ask John the Baptist the ultimate question: 'Who are you?' It’s a question the world asks us constantly. We are tempted to answer with our job titles, our bank accounts, or our social media status. John the Baptist gives the most powerful answer possible. He starts by saying who he is not. 'I am not the Christ.' There is such freedom in that! You are not the Savior of the world. You are not the savior of your family. You are not the savior of your workplace. You are a voice; He is the Word. When we get our identity right—knowing we are the messenger, not the Message—we lose the weight of the world from our shoulders.
Second, Integrity. St. John, in the first reading, speaks about the 'liar' who denies the truth. Integrity is simply the alignment of your life with the truth. John the Baptist had the chance to grab glory; he could have let them believe he was the Messiah. But he had the integrity to step back so Jesus could step forward. In a culture that encourages us to 'fake it ‘til we make it,' the Christmas season calls us to 'be it so He can make it.' Integrity means we don't need to wear a mask. We are sinful, yes, but we are loved. That is the truth.
Finally, Intimacy. How do we maintain this identity and integrity? St. John gives us the secret: 'Abide in him.' He uses that word 'abide' or 'remain' multiple times. You cannot know who you are if you don't know whose you are. Intimacy with Christ—staying close to Him in prayer, just as the branch stays on the vine—is the only thing that keeps us from believing the lies of the world.
Action Step: Today, when you feel the pressure to fix everything or be everything for everyone, stop and whisper this simple prayer of John the Baptist: 'Lord, I am not the Christ. You are. I am just the voice. Help me speak clearly for You today.'"
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