As we have stepped into the New Year, we are reminded of the festive celebrations and activities that marked the past week. We’ve shared sweets, meals, laughter, and reflections on God’s Word. But as the celebrations subside, life begins to feel ordinary again. This transition can be dangerous, leading to laxity, a lack of enthusiasm, and a tendency to take things for granted.
Going to Town to Preach
According to the book Life of Francis d’Assisi, Francis once invited a young monk to join him on a trip to town to preach. The monk, honored to be invited, eagerly accepted. All day, they walked through the streets, byways, alleys, and even into the suburbs, rubbing shoulders with hundreds of people. At the end of the day, they returned home without Francis addressing a crowd or speaking about the Gospel. Disappointed, the young monk asked, “I thought we were going into town to preach?”
Francis responded,
“My son, we have preached. We were preaching while we were walking. We were seen by many, and our behavior was closely watched. It is of no use to walk anywhere to preach unless we preach everywhere as we walk.”
An Authentic Life
John the Baptist’s testimony of Jesus in today’s Gospel is believable because it is a lived testimony. He is authentic, not a hypocrite, and people know it. They flock to him because of the integrity of his life. Even Pharisees came to receive his baptism. His words carried power because he lived what he preached.
As Christians, our lives must be authentic. We are called to live what we preach. One major criticism of Christianity today is that Christians often fail to live according to what they claim to believe. Mahatma Gandhi once said he would have become a Christian if Christians had truly lived their beliefs. Sadly, many fail to live up to the teachings of Jesus.
John the Baptist teaches us today that true greatness lies not in fulfilling personal ambitions but in recognizing our call to partner with God in building His kingdom of love and truth. From human experience, it is not easy to find oneself under the shadow of another. John shows us the way to complete joy by living out what he said of Christ, “It is necessary that He increase but that I decrease.” Sometimes when we find ourselves confronted with other ideas and ways of doing things, it is so difficult to accept that others could have better ideas and could do it better. John’s humility uncovers the simplicity of divine truth and love.
A New Year Spiritual Resolution
This New Year, we might reflect on the resolutions we’ve made. If we find ourselves falling short by the third day, it might be time to revisit them. Resolutions are firm decisions, but often our determination fails, and we procrastinate until the resolution turns to ashes. The first reading encourages us to make a spiritual resolution: to purify ourselves and strive to be as pure as Christ.
As we navigate the ordinary days ahead, may we carry the spirit of authenticity in our lives, preaching the Gospel through our actions. Let us stay vigilant, striving to live out our faith with humility, determination, and a heart open to God’s transformative love.
- Father David's inspirational homily was recorded live during Mass at the Father Peyton Center this morning. You can view the Mass (and the Rosary at the 30-minute mark) on the Family Rosary YouTube page.
- To join the Rosary and Mass Livestream, visit the Family Rosary YouTube or Facebook page at 11:30 a.m. Eastern, Monday – Friday. Consider inviting others to join too! (*If you are not a member of Facebook and a signup window appears, simply select the X at the top of the pop-up message and continue to the livestream.)
