L'Evangile dans ma vie/ The Gospel in my life

L’évangile du jour peut être un projet de vie. Regardons les mouvements dans cet événement et  découvrons nous-mêmes le projet que Dieu nous propose aujourd’hui.

Le salut est universel. De fait l’annonce de l’Incarnation est entendue par les mages de différentes origines, par la même annonce Dieu déclare que Jésus est venu pour moi et pour nous tous. Tout commence dans un petit village, où demeurait Marie. Par sa visitation, Marie a ouvert cette annonce au peuple d’Israël, d’un village au centre-ville, Jérusalem. Les anges du Seigneur annoncent le même message aux bergers  qui veillaient, de centre-ville vers la frontière. Aujourd’hui l’étoile, la création toute entière amène tous vers ce petit village, Bethlehem.  Tous ces mouvements nous font découvrir la grande œuvre divine, monter vers le Jérusalem céleste.

Jésus a dit à Thomas qu’Il est notre chemin. Lui qui était divin a pris notre chaire et la fête du jour nous rend visible ce mystère divin. Il a fait une sortie du ciel vers la périphérie pour nous sauver. Si nous ne quittons pas nos lieux de sécurité, notre quartier, notre rue, notre culture et notre langue, etc., il est difficile de rencontrer ce Dieu qui vient vers nous.  Marie a quitté son village vers la maison d’Elizabeth. Abraham a quitté son pays, et les bergers ont quitté leurs lieux pour aller à la rencontre de ce nouveau-né. Aujourd’hui les mages nous dit qu’ils ont suivi l’étoile qui les a guidé jusqu‘au  Bethlehem. Tous, Marie, Jean baptiste, les bergers, et les mages ont quitté leur lieux et ils sont étés rempli de joie et d’étonnement. Si nous croyons que le salut apporté par le Seigneur est bien universel, et si voulons en profiter, nous devons apprendre à quitter vers la direction que l’étoile nous guidera.

Ce déplacement ne grandis pas forcement le salut. Il faut aller jusqu’à la fin. Comme Dieu, qui est fidèle à sa promesse, nous devons d’être fidèles à son commandement d’amour. Ce chemin d’amour et de pardon n’est pas facile. N’était pas pour Jésus, ne sera pas non plus pour nous. Même s’il soit l’étoile qui a guidait les mages, ils se sont trompés dans leur discernement. Nous tous, nous nous  trompons dans notre discernement. Comme Marie Madeleine qui a pris Jésus comme un jardinier ou même comme un voleur, les apôtres ont pris Jésus comme un fantôme, il est normal, humainement nous sommes capables de tromper. Ne soyons pas découragés ou désespérés. Osons de nous nous relever et nous verrons comme les mages, l’étoile encore une fois, pour tout recommencer.

Avertis en songe, ils vont recommencer à découvrir un nouveau chemin, qui les conduira chacun à sa destination. Une rencontre divine nous transforme et nous ne pouvons plus d’être à l’ancien, car en Jésus nous sommes renaît de nouveau comme un être, tout autre. Reprendre le même chemin, retomber dans nos habitudes, recommencer la même histoire, ne sont pas digne de cette nouvelle naissance en Dieu. Il faut tout recommencer, commencer de nouveau  à redécouvrir ce mystère comme un petit enfant.  Ne partons pas sans rencontrer le Seigneur, la LUMIÈRE du monde. Tout d’abord, cherchons-Le, adorons-Le et partons avec cette Lumière qui s’illuminera en nous et par nous.

Gospel text

(Jn 1,43-51): 

After Jesus had decided to set off for Galilee, He met Philip and said to him, «Follow me». Philip was from Bethsaida, the town of Andrew and Peter. Philip found Nathanael and said to him, «We have found the one that Moses wrote about in the Law, and the prophets as well: he is Jesus, son of Joseph, from Nazareth». Nathanael replied, «Can anything good come from Nazareth?». Philip said to him, «Come and see».

When Jesus saw Nathanael coming, he said of him, «Here comes an Israelite, a true one; there is nothing false in him». Nathanael asked him, «How do you know me?». And Jesus said to him, «Before Philip called you, you were under the fig tree and I saw you». Nathanael answered, «Master, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!». But Jesus replied, «You believe because I said: ‘I saw you under the fig tree’. But you will see greater things than that. Truly, I say to you, you will see the heavens opened and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man».

The Application

The divine encounter of Nathanael is the best example for us to understand how God works and how could we respond positively to this call. Just like Philippe, Nathanael also was searching the divine Truth, waiting for the Messiah to come. All these events related with  Phillipe, Nathanael and Jesus,  come as if they are well planned and enacted. When we respond positively to the divine call, we enact as God has planned things for us. When we respond negatively, God accepts our decision and allow us to go further, but continuing to guide us and help us.

The more we get closer to God, the more we are enlightened with new information. Phillip will discover that he was followed by the Lord and every single step that he has taken to discover God, is not ignored. They are preciously observed and appreciated by God. Thus even in our mistakes, God never forgets our small gests or actions in search of the Lord.

The third lessons that can learned is, God elevates us from old status to a higher and new status. If we take one step towards God, He will take two steps towards us. God is always generous in His goodness. Nathanael simply wish to see Christ, but Jesus has raised him to see the heavenly realities. He has gone to see the ONE who is sent and Jesus invites him to see the divine presence, the Christ in His heavenly glory, surrounded by angels of the Lord.

When Nathanael was invited by Philip, he didn’t realise what was waiting for him. His yes to the invitation gave him an opportunity to meet Jesus personally, GOD-Man together. Are we ready to respond positively to the divine call, which comes very often through our brothers and sisters?

«Come and see»

Fr. Rafel FELIPE i Freije 
(Girona, Spain)

Today, Philip teaches us an important lesson when he asks Nathaniel to go with him to meet the Master, because, like all true friends, he wants to share the treasure he has discovered: «We have found the one that Moses wrote about in the Law, and the prophets as well: he is Jesus, son of Joseph, from Nazareth» (Jn 1:45). He is impatient to share the riches of Jesus with others, so that they too can be blessed by the treasure that comes to all that know Jesus Christ. No one is able to fill a man's heart with the happiness and peace that is ours when Jesus dwells within. When we experience His love, peace, and blessing in our lives, we are eager to share Him. This restless urge to share what we have with others, is the origin of the calling of a Christian Apostle. At some point in our lives, Jesus bids us to cast our nets wide. When he does, He is telling each one of us that we must become fishers of people, for the people of the world is in great need of God, and our common hunger for spiritual fulfillment, truth, and happiness can only be satisfied by Jesus Christ. «Only Jesus Christ means everything for us (…). Happy the man who waits for Him!» (Saint Ambrose).

We cannot give what we do not have. So, before we can tell others about the Master, we must already have encountered Him and come to know Him. Only when we know Him well and have allowed Him to enter and direct into our lives, can we share Him with others, as Philip did, and as His disciples have done throughout history.

This involves knowing Jesus as the Lord of our lives, knowing Him as a friend, conversing with Him, and accepting Him so completely that we can declare: «Master, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!» (Jn 1:49). We must receive Him in the Eucharist, share our gratitude and our desires with Him in daily prayer, and listen intently to His declarations of forgiveness. All this will help us to know Him well enough to be able to speak of Him with others to their understanding, so that they too can discover that intimate joy of encountering our Lord, experience religious satisfaction, and come to love Him even as we love Him.

Texte de l'Évangile

(Jn 1,43-51): 

Le lendemain, Jésus décida de partir pour la Galilée. Il rencontre Philippe, et lui dit: «Suis-moi». Philippe était de Bethsaïde, comme André et Pierre. Philippe rencontre Nathanaël et lui dit: «Celui dont parlent la loi de Moïse et les Prophètes, nous l'avons trouvé: c'est Jésus fils de Joseph, de Nazareth». Nathanaël répliqua: «De Nazareth! Peut-il sortir de là quelque chose de bon?». Philippe répond: «Viens, et tu verras». 

Lorsque Jésus voit Nathanaël venir à lui, il déclare: «Voici un véritable fils d'Israël, un homme qui ne sait pas mentir». Nathanaël lui demande: «Comment me connais-tu?». Jésus lui répond: «Avant que Philippe te parle, quand tu étais sous le figuier, je t'ai vu». Nathanaël lui dit: «Rabbi, c'est toi le Fils de Dieu! C'est toi le roi d'Israël!». Jésus reprend: «Je te dis que je t'ai vu sous le figuier, et c'est pour cela que tu crois! Tu verras des choses plus grandes encore». Et il ajoute: «Amen, amen, je vous le dis: vous verrez les cieux ouverts, avec les anges de Dieu qui montent et descendent au-dessus du Fils de l'homme».

L’Application

Toute rencontre divine se multiplie. Dans ces rencontres nous découvrons que cette rencontre était une initiative divine, non pas humaine. Dieu travaille discrètement en nous et nous ne devons dire qu’OUI à son appel. Il faut reconnaitre qu’Il a besoin de nous, et notre coopération. Il nous laisse libre. Philippe a fait son travail et Nathanaël a pris l’initiative et nous ……………..?

«Viens, et tu verras»

Abbé Rafel FELIPE i Freije 
(Girona, Espagne)

Aujourd'hui, Philippe nous donne une leçon juste en accompagnant Nathanaël jusqu'au Maître. Il agit comme l'ami qui désire partager avec l'autre le trésor découvert récemment: «Celui dont parlent la loi de Moïse et les Prophètes, nous l'avons trouvé: c'est Jésus fils de Joseph, de Nazareth» (Jn 1,45). Rapidement, avec enthousiasme, il veut le partager avec les autres, pour qu'ils puissent tous recevoir ses bienfaits. Le trésor est Jésus Christ. Personne ne peut remplir le cœur de l'homme de paix et de joie comme Lui. Si Jésus vit dans ton cœur, le désir de le partager se transformera en besoin. De là, naît le sentiment de l'apostolat chrétien. Quand Jésus, plus tard, nous invite à jeter les filets, il dira à chacun d'entre nous que nous devons être des pêcheurs d'hommes, car beaucoup sont ceux qui ont besoin de Dieu, que la faim de transcendance, de vérité, de joie… il y a quelqu'un qui peut la calmer entièrement: Jésus Christ. «Jésus Christ est pour nous toutes choses (…). Heureux l'homme qui espère en Lui!» (Saint Ambroise).

Personne ne peut donner ce qu'il n'a pas ou n'a pas reçu. Avant de parler du Maître, il est nécessaire d'avoir parlé avec Lui. C'est seulement si nous le connaissons bien et que nous nous sommes laissés connaître par Lui, que nous serons prêts à le présenter aux autres, comme le fait Philippe dans l'Evangile d'aujourd'hui. Comme l'ont fait tant de saints et saintes tout au long de l'histoire.

Traiter Jésus, parler avec Lui comme un ami parle à son ami, l'admettre avec une foi convaincante: «Rabbi, c'est toi le Fils de Dieu! C'est toi le roi d'Israël!» (Jn 1,49), le recevoir souvent dans l'Eucharistie et le visiter fréquemment, écouter attentivement ses paroles de pardon… tous cela nous aidera à mieux le faire connaître et à découvrir la joie intérieure que nous éprouvons quand d'autres le connaissent et l'aiment.

Gospel text

(Jn 1,35-42): 

As John was standing with two of his disciples, Jesus walked by, and John looked at him and said, «There is the Lamb of God». On hearing this, the two disciples followed Jesus. He turned and saw them following, and He said to them, «What are you looking for?». They answered, «Rabbi (which means Master), where are you staying?». Jesus said, «Come and see». So they went and saw where he stayed and spent the rest of that day with him. It was about four o'clock in the afternoon. Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter, was one of the two who heard what John had said and followed Jesus. Early the next morning he found his brother Simon and said to him, «We have found the Messiah» (which means the Christ), and he brought Simon to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, «You are Simon, son of John, but you shall be called Cephas» (which means Rock).

The Application

We may remember the experience of the disciples of Emmaus and we have an ‘avant goût’ today, with the disciples of St. John. It is precisely an evening, as light gets diminished and in the night that these disciples of St. John get illumined and are sent back in the morning to invite others, to get illumined by the Lord. All are called to imitate their mission.  

They are invited to live with Jesus, the new master, and discover by themselves, the person, CHRIST. Living together, does mean an opportunity to listen and to see, to understand and to digest, to keep silence and allow the other to do the rest. I suppose these disciples who stayed at night with Jesus, had all these experiences at a time with all its complexity, very rich both humanly and divinely. We who remain outside of this encounter, can never be able to imagine what they have lived in these precious hours. A foundation is already made……………!

Any divine encounter gets de facto multiplied and invites the other to have the same encounter. The disciples of John were invited for an encounter and the disciples of Jesus invite others to have the same encounter, here Peter gets elevated. We may have many such moments of life.

It all happened by a simple invitation, “come and see”. Though simple it appears to be, there is an implicit call to abandon something of old, to inherit something new. Leaving old way of living or thinking and getting into the newness, demand certain maturity and discernment. Faith is the fruit of this maturity and discernment. Otherwise, very little trouble will shake our faith.

Are we ready to leave behind something of old, to enter into the newness of life? Are we aware that we are called to be missionaries to announce and invite others? Do we have the courage to follow Jesus and enter with Him into the darkness or even emptiness, so that we may be illumined or filled by His light?  Have a wonderful day.

«‘Rabbi, where are you staying?’. Jesus said, ‘Come and see’»

Fr. Josep Mª MASSANA i Mola OFM 
(Barcelona, Spain)

Today, the Gospel reminds us of the vocational circumstances of Jesus' first disciples. To get ready for the advent of the Messiah, John and his friend Andrew had listened to, and followed for a while, John the Baptist. One day, John the Baptist, points out to Jesus, by calling him the Lamb of God. On hearing this, John and Andrew understand that He is the long-waited Messiah! And, by leaving the Baptist, they set to follow Jesus.

Jesus hears them behind. He turns and sees them following. Jesus and those unassuming men exchange glances. They remain captivated. Jesus' gaze turns their hearts over and they feel the need to stay on with him: «Where are you staying?» (Jn 1:38), they ask him. «Come and see» (Jn 1:39), answers Jesus. He invites them to remain, to see, to meditate. 

They go, and they contemplate Him while listening to Him. And they spend the evening and the night with Him. It is a time of closeness and confidences. A time of love sharing. They remain with Him until the following morning. When the Sun rises over the world.

Stirred up with the flame of that «sunrise which shines upon those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death...» (cf. Lk 1:78-79), they set forth to irradiate it. Exalted, they feel the urge to communicate what they have seen and lived to the first ones they may meet: «We have found the Messiah!» (Jn 1:41). Many saints have also done it similarly. St. Frances, love wounded, went about streets and squares, hamlets and woods, shouting: «Love is not loved!».

In our Christian life, the essential part is to allow Jesus to gaze into us, to go and see where he stays, to stay with him and to share. And, afterwards, to announce it. This is the way and procedure followed by the disciples and saints. It is our way.

Texte de l'Évangile

(Jn 1,35-42): 

Le lendemain, Jean Baptiste se trouvait de nouveau avec deux de ses disciples. Posant son regard sur Jésus qui allait et venait, il dit: «Voici l'Agneau de Dieu». Les deux disciples entendirent cette parole, et ils suivirent Jésus. Celui-ci se retourna, vit qu'ils le suivaient, et leur dit: «Que cherchez-vous?». Ils lui répondirent: «Rabbi (c'est-à-dire: Maître), où demeures-tu?». Il leur dit: «Venez, et vous verrez». Ils l'accompagnèrent, ils virent où il demeurait, et ils restèrent auprès de lui ce jour-là. C'était vers quatre heures du soir. André, le frère de Simon-Pierre, était l'un des deux disciples qui avaient entendu Jean Baptiste et qui avaient suivi Jésus. Il trouve d'abord son frère Simon et lui dit: «Nous avons trouvé le Messie (autrement dit: le Christ). André amena son frère à Jésus. Jésus posa son regard sur lui et dit: «Tu es Simon, fils de Jean; tu t'appelleras Képha» (ce qui veut dire: “pierre”).

L’Application

Nous restons fidèles aux témoignages et aux mots entendu et vu. L’histoire commence avec une question, « où demeures-tu »  se termine avec une certitude, « Nous avons trouvé le Messie. »

Encore une autre histoire qui se commence avec une invitation, « Venez, et vous verrez. » se termine avec encore une autre nomination ou invitation, « Képha ».

Aujourd’hui je vous invite à jouer ces histoires de l’évangile du jour et écouter tout ce que le Seigneur veut nous dire. Pour certains ça peut être une invitation à demeurer et à être envoyé,  pour l’autre ça peut être une invitation à se transformer ou configurer au Christ, devenir tout autre, comme Dieu le-veut. Pourquoi ne pas devenir comme Simon qui est allé chercher son frère ?

Bonne méditation et bonne journée.

«‘Rabbi, où demeures-tu?’. Il leur dit: ‘Venez, et vous verrez’»

Abbé Josep Mª MASSANA i Mola OFM 
(Barcelona, Espagne)

Aujourd'hui, l'Evangile nous rappelle les circonstances de la vocation des premiers disciples de Jésus. Pour se préparer à la venue du Messie, Jean et son compagnon André avaient entendu et suivi le Baptiste pendent quelque temps. 

Un beau jour, celui-ci leur indiqua Jésus du doigt en l'appelant l'Agneau de Dieu. Tout de suite, Jean et André comprirent ces paroles: C'est Lui, le Messie attendu! Et, en abandonnant le Baptiste, ils suivirent Jésus.

Jésus entend les pas derrière lui. Il se retourne et fixe son regard sur ceux qui le suivent. Les regards se croissent entre Jésus et ces hommes simples. Ceux-ci restent captivés. Ce regard renverse leur cœur et ils sentent le désir de rester auprès de Lui: «Rabbi, où demeures-tu?» (Jn 1,38), Lui demandent-ils, «Venez, et vous verrez» (Jn 1,39), leur dit Jésus. Il les invite à lui suivre, à regarder et à contempler.

Ils y vont, et le regardent en l'écoutant. Et, à la tombée de jour, cette nuit, ils restent auprès de lui. C'est l'heure de l'intimité et des confidences. L'heure de l'amour partagé. Ils demeurent avec Lui jusqu'au lendemain, lorsque le soleil se lève sur le monde.

Embrasés par les flammes de «l'astre qui est venu nous visiter du haut des cieux, pour guider ceux qui demeurent dans les ténèbres» (cf. Lc 1,78-79), ils s'en vont pour l'irradier. Excités, ils sentent la nécessité de communiquer aux premiers gens qu'ils rencontrent sur leur chemin, ce qu'ils ont pu voir et vivre: «Nous avons trouvé le Messie!» (Jn 1,41). Les saints ont agi de même. Saint François, blessé d'amour, allait par les rues et les places, par les hameaux et les bois, en criant: «L'Amour n'est pas aimé!».

Dans la vie chrétienne l'essentiel c'est de se laisser regarder par Jésus, aller voir où Il demeure, vivre avec Lui et partager. Et, après, l'annoncer. C'est le chemin et le processus que les disciples et les saints ont suivi. C'est notre chemin.

Gospel text

(Jn 1,29-34): 

John saw Jesus coming towards him and said, «There is the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world. It is he of whom I said: ‘A man comes after me who is already ahead of me, for he was before me’. I myself did not know him, but I came baptizing to prepare for him, so that he might be revealed in Israel». And John also gave this testimony, «I saw the Spirit coming down on him like a dove from heaven and resting on him. I myself did not know him but God who sent me to baptize told me: ‘You will see the Spirit coming down and resting on the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit’. Yes, I have seen! and I declare that this is the Chosen One of God».

The Application

Any Christian witnessing life comes with personal divine experience (human), with intellectual foundation (reasoning), and a hope anchored in God (Faith). Thus it is the fruit of few elements; what is seen or heard (past), what is being or simply being lived (past mixed present), and the deep hope filled with Faith (future).

John takes us from the present status of life to the future adventure. He identifies for us in Jesus, in the present, both past and future, beyond time and space. The Lamb of God. He helps us to understand his process of knowing this divine truth, with a great divine help, which is necessary for any faith adventure.  He does indicate that his intellectual knowledge did play an important human role in this divine revelation, which was totally guided by the Holy Spirit. John demonstrates in this event, the obedience to the divine will does undergo certain intellectual process, accompanied by divine intervention. People those who have received it, are called to live a just life, just like our God is just and a holy life, just our God is Holy. Have a wonderful day.

«I have seen! And I declare that this is the Chosen One of God»

Fr. Higinio Rafael ROSOLEN IVE 
(Cobourg, Ontario, Canada)

Today, St. John the Baptist testifies about the baptism of Jesus. Pope Francis reminded us «Baptism is the Sacrament on which our faith is based, and which grafts us to Christ and His Church, as living members”; and added: "It is not a mere formality! It is an act that touches the depth of our existence” A baptized child is not the same than a non-baptized child. A baptized person is not the same than a non-baptized person. “With the Baptism, we are immersed in that inexhaustible fount of life that is the death of Jesus, the greatest act of love of all history; and thanks to this love we are able to live a new life, no longer at the mercy of evil, sin and death, but rather in communion with God and with our brothers» 

We have listened to the two main effects of Baptism taught in the Catechism of the Catholic Church (p. 1262-1266):

«Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world» (Jn 1:29). One effect of Baptism is the purification from sins, that is, all sins are forgiven, original sin and all personal sins as well as all the penalties of sin.

«The Spirit comes down», «baptizes with the Holy Spirit» (John 1.33): Baptism makes us become a "new creation", God’s foster children sharing the divine nature, members of Christ, joint-heirs with Him and temples of the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Trinity - Father, Son and Holy Spirit — gives us the sanctifying grace, which makes us capable of believing in God, to wait on Him and to love Him; to live and act under the motion of the Holy Spirit through its gifts; to grow in goodness through the moral virtues.

Let us therefore ask, as Pope Francis urges us, «for the grace of the memory of our Baptism», «living out our Baptism every day as the present reality in our lives».

Texte de l'Évangile (Jn 1,29-34): 

Le lendemain, comme Jean Baptiste voyait Jésus venir vers lui, il dit: «Voici l'Agneau de Dieu, qui enlève le péché du monde; c'est de lui que j'ai dit: Derrière moi vient un homme qui a sa place devant moi, car avant moi il était. Je ne le connaissais pas; mais, si je suis venu baptiser dans l'eau, c'est pour qu'il soit manifesté au peuple d'Israël». Alors Jean rendit ce témoignage: «J'ai vu l'Esprit descendre du ciel comme une colombe et demeurer sur lui. Je ne le connaissais pas, mais celui qui m'a envoyé baptiser dans l'eau m'a dit: ‘L'homme sur qui tu verras l'Esprit descendre et demeurer, c'est celui-là qui baptise dans l'Esprit Saint’. Oui, j'ai vu, et je rends ce témoignage: c'est lui le Fils de Dieu».

«Je l'ai vu et je donne témoignage dont c'est Lui le Choisi de Dieu»

Abbé Higinio Rafael ROSOLEN IVE 
(Cobourg, Ontario, Canada)

Gospel text

(Jn 1,19-28): 

This was the testimony of John when the Jews sent priests and Levites to ask him, «Who are you?». John recognized the truth and did not deny it. He said, «I am not the Messiah». And they asked him, «Then who are you? Elijah?». He answered, «I am not». They said, «Are you the Prophet?». And he answered, «No». Then they said to him, «Tell us who you are, so that we can give some answer to those who sent us. How do you see yourself?». And John said, quoting the prophet Isaiah, «I am the voice crying out in the wilderness: Make straight the way of the Lord». 

Those who had been sent were Pharisees; so they put a further question to John: «Then why are you baptizing if you are not the Messiah, or Elijah, or the Prophet?». John answered, «I baptize you with water, but among you stands one whom you do not know; although he comes after me, I am not worthy to untie the strap of his sandal». This happened in Bethabara beyond the Jordan, where John was baptizing.

The Application

We are called to live a witnessing life. Some of us are called to identify and others are called to testify. Whatever may be the vocation, we are all inspired by the Holy Spirit. We witness the truth, the truth about the creation and it’s Creator, particularly what we have seen, heard and lived. This testimony demands a basic self-knowledge and minimum awareness of our mission. John was aware of his status and the Christ standing in the crowd.

It is from this knowledge of truth that we can help people to identify the presence of God, in them and amidst us. Certainly our words and deeds should be coherent with what we believe and teach. John remained faithful to the call and aware of the mission.

To know the truth we should learn to move from here to the other side. From our interiority towards our exteriority. Being aware of what’s happening inside of us, our own inner conflicts, our joy and pain, will help us to identify how God works in and through us. Without this interiorising process, we can’t look outward. In this process we discover the greatness of God and our smallness before Him.

Jesus is the source of this information and He himself is the information. It is in and through Him that we discover the immensity of God and His work in us. Incarnation has created a proximity, which demands us to search God, first in us, in our brothers and sisters, and finally in the creation, at large. Have a wonderful day.

«Among you stands one whom you do not know; although he comes after me»

Mons. Romà CASANOVA i Casanova Bishop of Vic 
(Barcelona, Spain)

Today, in the Gospel of the Eucharist liturgy, we read the testimony of John the Baptist. The text preceding these words in St. John's Gospel is the prologue where it is clearly affirmed: «And the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us» (Jn 1:14). What was announced in the prologue —as a great prelude— is now, step by step, manifested in the Gospel. The mystery of the Incarnated Verb is the mystery of salvation for mankind: «Grace and truth came through Jesus Christ» (Jn 1:17). Salvation comes through Jesus Christ, and faith is the answer to the manifestation of Christ. Whoever believes in Him is saved.

The mystery of salvation in Christ is accompanied always by the testimony. Jesus Christ himself is «The Amen, the faithful and true witness» (Rev 3:14). It is John the Baptist who bears witness with his vision and gaze as a prophet: «Among you stands one who (…) comes after me» (Jn 1:26-27). And this is how the Apostles understand their mission: «God raised this Jesus; of this we are all witnesses» (Acts 2:32).

The whole Church, and therefore all its members, have the mission of bearing witness. The testimony we bring to the world has a name. Jesus Christ is the very Gospel. He is the “Good News”. And the proclamation of the Gospel all over the world must also be understood as the key of the testimony uniting inseparably the announcement and the life. It is good to remember the words from Pope Paul VI: «Modern man listens more willingly to witnesses rather than to teachers and if he does listen to teachers it is because they are witnesses».

Texte de l'Évangile

(Jn 1,19-28): 

Et voici quel fut le témoignage de Jean, quand les Juifs lui envoyèrent de Jérusalem des prêtres et des lévites pour lui demander: «Qui es-tu?». Il le reconnut ouvertement, il déclara: «Je ne suis pas le Messie». Ils lui demandèrent: «Qui es-tu donc? Es-tu le prophète Élie?». Il répondit: «Non». «Alors es-tu le grand Prophète?». Il répondit: «Ce n'est pas moi». Alors ils lui dirent: «Qui es-tu? Il faut que nous donnions une réponse à ceux qui nous ont envoyés. Que dis-tu sur toi-même?». Il répondit: «Je suis la voix qui crie à travers le désert: Aplanissez le chemin du Seigneur, comme a dit le prophète Isaïe». 

Or, certains des envoyés étaient des pharisiens. Ils lui posèrent encore cette question: «Si tu n'es ni le Messie, ni Élie, ni le grand Prophète, pourquoi baptises-tu?». Jean leur répondit: «Moi, je baptise dans l'eau. Mais au milieu de vous se tient celui que vous ne connaissez pas: c'est lui qui vient derrière moi, et je ne suis même pas digne de défaire la courroie de sa sandale». Tout cela s'est passé à Béthanie-de-Transjordanie, à l'endroit où Jean baptisait.

L’Application

Dieu fait les merveilles et elle sont toujours devant nous. Les hommes de bonne foi verront par tout et en tout cette présence divine. Si nous sommes capables de voir dans la création en elle-même, tout ce qui est invisible, nous verrons clairement le visage divin, le regard, la joie et les peines de Dieu.  Jean nous le confirme. Le Verbe de Dieu habite parmi nous et nous ne Le reconnaissons pas. Tous cherchent la vérité et nous la cherchons ensembles, y compris Pilate.

Nous la cherchons comme les autres, chacun avec ses limites et ses dons. D’ici vers l’autre, les pèlerinages extérieurs sans faire le pèlerinage intérieur qui est pourtant essentiel. Il faut apprendre de se déplacer de notre propre intériorité vers notre propre extériorité. Sans ce déplacement intérieur, si nous cherchons une réponse à l’extérieure, c’est comparable d’une personne qui cherche une réponse sans avoir posé la question.

Dans toute sa sagesse, avec une sagesse divine reçue, Jean nous aide à approprier cette vérité de la vie. Il y a UN plus grand que MOI parmi nous. C’est normal et logique que cette UN de qui je suis né, doive être plus grand que moi. Cette reconnaissance de la vérité par Jean déjà prépare le chemin qui nous conduira vers son Maître, le Christ. Nous connaissons en Jean un baptême de conversion, et Jean nous oriente vers Jésus en qui nous découvrirons le baptême de l’eau et de l’Esprit, un Baptême de VIE.

Tout cela  se passait en dehors de la ville, il faut sortir de nous-mêmes ; si nous volons rencontrer le Seigneur. N’arrêtons pas notre démarche devant le rivage de Jordan, à l'endroit où Jean baptisait. Il faut savoir s’avancer, vers le Christ, qui est en nous et parmi nous.

«Au milieu de vous se tient celui (…) qui vient derrière moi»

Mgr. Romà CASANOVA i Casanova Evêque de Vic 
(Barcelona, Espagne)

Aujourd'hui, dans l'Évangile nous lisons le témoignage de Jean Baptiste. Ce témoignage dans l'Évangile selon saint Jean, est précédé par le prologue qui affirme formellement: «Et le Verbe s'est fait chair, et il a habité parmi nous» (Jn 1,14). Ce qui est annoncé dans le prologue, se manifeste peu à peu dans l'Évangile. Le mystère du Verbe incarné est un mystère de Salut pour l'humanité: «la grâce et la vérité sont venues par Jésus-Christ» (Jn 1,17). Le Salut nous arrive par Jésus et la foi est la réponse à cette manifestation du Christ.

Le mystère du salut dans le Christ est toujours accompagné du témoignage. Jésus lui-même est «l'Amen, le Témoin fidèle et véritable» (Ap 3,14). Jean Baptiste est celui qui rend témoignage, par sa mission et par son regard de prophète: «Mais au milieu de vous se tient celui (…) qui vient derrière moi» (Jn 1,26-27). Et c'est ainsi que les apôtres comprendront leur mission: «C'est ce Jésus que Dieu a ressuscité: nous en sommes tous témoins» (Ac 2,32).

L´'Église entière, ainsi que tous ses membres, a pour mission de rendre témoignage. Ce témoignage que nous répandons à travers le monde a un nom. L'Évangile est Jésus-Christ lui-même. Il est la “bonne nouvelle”. Ainsi nous devons comprendre que la propagation de l'Évangile à travers le monde est le témoignage liant l'annonce et la vie. Nous devons nous rappeler les paroles du pape Paul VI: «L'homme moderne écoute plutôt celui qui témoigne que celui qui enseigne (...), et s'il écoute celui qui enseigne, il le fait car celui-ci rend témoignage».

Gospel text

(Lc 2,16-21): 

The shepherds came hurriedly and found Mary and Joseph with the baby lying in the manger. On seeing this they related what they had been told about the child, and all were astonished on hearing the shepherds. As for Mary, she treasured all these messages and continually pondered over them. The shepherds then returned giving glory and praise to God for all they had heard and seen, just as the angels had told them. On the eighth day the circumcision of the baby had to be performed; he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he was conceived.

The Application

We begin our year with the motherhood of Mary, the mother of God. By proposing this feast, right from the very first day of the year, the Church proposes to each and every Christian the need to be formed in the maternal school of Mary, just like Jesus. It’s here we will be formed so that we may be able to have a perfect configuration in Christ. Today let us look at the gospel to understand certain Marian elements which can be very much practical for our daily life, particularly for this New Year.

We have seen the hurriedness of Mary, which the shepherds re-enact for our better understanding. They moved immediately, just like Mary who rushed up to reach to the house of Elizabeth. Post-ponding will do no good, neither to our personal life, not for our spiritual life. Everything has its own time and they have to be done in time.

The send part of the message is the capacity to witness and share. They all share what they have seen and lived. Mary is the living witness of the divine accomplishment. People should know by our lives that we are believers, who are faithful to the commandment of love. The Christian faith is synonym with the life witnessing. In every witnessing moment is a moment of joy and contentment. Mary, Elizabeth, John Baptist, Zachariah, all were happy when the visitation was happening. Today too, we feel this joy in a deeper level. This joy, when share with others, it get multiplied.

Mary and Joseph, just like anyone else do what is expected of them by the society. They follow the traditions of the society. There is however a great difference. This following has its foundation, not in the human laws and desires, rather what is being asked by the Lord. Fully coherent with the divine will. This divine will takes the prominence in all their executions and actions.

In all these events, and witnessing moments, we find that everyone give glory to God. Thus we should give lots of attention in our daily life, to what we say and what we do. Everything should help people to give glory to God. That God should be glorified in everything.

The most important for the daily application is the inner disposition of Mary in all these events. The gospel says that she kept everything in her heart and contemplated. The inner silence and our capacity to contemplate is the essential part of our faith pilgrimage, particularly when we don’t understand. It is in this contemplation that we can understand the divine mysteries, the Incarnation.

I wish you all a grace filled year with divine benedictions.

«The shepherds came hurriedly and found Mary and Joseph with the baby lying in the manger»

Fr. Manel VALLS i Serra 
(Barcelona, Spain)

Today, the Church gratefully reflects on the Virgin's maternity as a model of her own motherhood of all of us. Luke offers the “meeting” of the shepherds and the Boy, who is with Mary —His mother— and with Joseph. Joseph's discreet presence reflects his important mission as guardian of the great mystery of the Son of God. All together, shepherds, Mary and Joseph, «with the baby lying in the manger» (Lk 2:16) form a beautiful image of the Church in adoration.

“The manger”: Jesus is placed there as a veiled reference to the Eucharist. It was Mary who put Him there! Luke speaks of an “encounter”, of a meeting between the shepherds and Jesus. Faith does not materialize without the personal experience of an encounter with the Lord. Only that meeting, which has brought with it “seeing”, and in a way “touching”, allows the shepherds to become witnesses of the Good News, true evangelists who can «relate what they had been told about the child» (Lk 2:17).

A first fruit of the “encounter” is pointed out for us here: «and all were astonished on hearing the shepherds» (Lk 2:18). We need to ask for the grace of being able to arouse that fascination, that admiration in those to with whom we talk about the Gospel.

There is still a second fruit of this encounter: «The shepherds then returned giving glory and praise to God for all they had heard and seen» (Lk 2:20). The adoration of the Child fills their hearts with enthusiasm for communicating what they have seen and felt, and the communication of what they have seen leads them to prayer and thanksgiving, to the glorification of the Lord.

Maria, example of contemplation —«she treasured all these messages and continually pondered over them» (Lk 2:19)— gave us Jesus, whose name means “God Saves”. His name is our Peace too. Let's accept his holy and sweet Name in our hearts and have it on our lips often!