It is 6th January 2020. The readings are from1 John 3:22-4:6 and the Gospel from Matthew 4:12-17, 23-25. Are we confused by others or are we confusing others with regard to the Holy Spirit? Most of us love to have something new and creative things in our liturgy and worship but not willing to test them in the light of the Word of God and traditions of the Church. Hence, we end up believing in something that is not approved by the Church. We are taught in Vatican II document GS 44, On The Church In The Modern World, “With the help of the Holy Spirit, it is the task of the entire People of God… to hear, distinguish and interpret the many voices of our age, and to judge them in the light of the divine word, so that revealed truth can always be more deeply penetrated, better understood and set forth to greater advantage.” The first reading points out the way we need to discern the spirit of truth and spirit of lies. “This is how you can know the Spirit of God: every spirit that acknowledges Jesus Christ come in the flesh belongs to God, and every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus does not belong to God.” (1 Jn.4:2,3). The Church is the custodian and guardian of truth. It is indeed the task of the Church to keep truth alive by all means by her teaching and charity. The right doctrines and worship alone not enough for person to know the truth but one must have right judgement. Believing and accepting everything we hear as right and good is sheer ignorance, misleading and cheating ourselves. without adequate acknowledgement of the incarnation of Jesus, one cannot have the right judgement. “For the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” (1 Jn. 4:4). The responsorial Psalm acclaims, “I will give you all the nations for an inheritance.” (Ps.2:8). The Gospel presents us with the beginning of ministry of Jesus and how people recognised His power and acknowledged Him. We cannot acknowledge Jesus as the Lord and Saviour without adequate repentance. Desire to meet Jesus happens in the hearts of those who have repented. Jesus offers cure for those who repent. We are truly and integrally healed when we have consciously and sincerely repented. “They brought to him all who were sick with various diseases… and He cured them.” (Mt.4:24). May the Spirit of God help us to discern the spirt of truth in Jesus. May you have a good day.

Leave a Comment