It is 3rd January 2017. We celebrate the memorial of Most Holy Name of Jesus. The readings are from 1 John 2:29-3:6; and the Gospel from John 1:29-34. The first reading teaches us that as long as we live according to the plan of God, we will have a thirst within us to please God and to avoid sins by all means. A habitual sinning happens where there is no effort is made to love God. From the very fact we are created in God’s image and likeness, we all have become the children of God and therefore we are expected to behave and live up to the privilege of being the chosen ones. The relationship we enjoy being the children of God is indeed something very unique and special to each one of us. Since we belong to the family of the most High God, we need to belong God and strengthen the bonds of unity and peace among the members of the family. Through the incarnation of the Lord Jesus, we are guaranteed that God still loves us no matter what it takes. Our bonding comes through our personal profession of faith in One God through Jesus. Let us learn to acknowledge God and God’s only Son Jesus in every opportunity we get. When we are truly in love, we begin to talk about the person, think about the person and to avoid all that the person does not like. Sin keep us away from God. Sin blunts our intimate relationship with God. “Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.” (1 Jn 4:11) Only because Christ has loved us that He could also command us to love like Him. Jesus said, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this, all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (Jn 13:34f). The responsorial Psalm praises, “All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.” (Ps.97:3). The Gospel invites us to recognize the Lamb of God and to proclaim to the world. Our faith in the Chosen One of God, Jesus demands witnessing. May God grant us the courage to embrace Jesus, the most powerful name brought us salvation. May you have a good day.