Saints Basil the Great and Gregory Nazianzen, Bishops, Doctors 

1 Jn 2:22-28, Jn 1:19-28. As we look forward to the Feast of Epiphany, we are invited to make Jesus known to the world. In today's Gospel, John the Baptist demonstrates the fundamental attitude to making Christ known: humility. Though, he had the chance to be considered the Messiah, but in humility, John the Baptist made clear his identity. John the Baptist knows that the only way he can serve God and fulfil his mission is to direct all glory to God and none to himself, never presuming to be more than he is. We can also make Jesus present to others only if we put aside pride and vanity.

What makes John the Baptist’s message effective is that he does not just preach his message. He preaches penance, but first, he lives it, going out into the desert and living an ascetic life. He baptises with water, but first, he gets into the water. If we want to make Jesus known, we first have to know Him ourselves. We cannot preach the essence of the Gospel, the message of love, if we do not live love in our daily lives. However, if with the help of God’s grace, we do our best to put love into action, then words will hardly be necessary. Saints Basil the Great and Gregory Nazianzen whose memorial we celebrate, were clear about their purpose and identity. They were born in the same year, 330 of a Christian family at Caesarea in Cappadocia and Nazienzus respectively. They confessed Jesus as the Lord both in words and actions and were rewarded with eternal life.

May the Lord help us to live authentic life in our daily living! Amen!! Good morning and have a pleasant day!!!