We Are God’s Children Now

http://www.usccb.org/nab/010308.shtml

January 3, 2008

Christmas Weekday

Beloved, we are God's children now; what we shall be has not yet been revealed. We do know that when it is revealed we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. 1 John 3:2

"I did not know him, but the reason why I came baptizing with water was that he might be made known to Israel." John testified further, saying, "I saw the Spirit come down like a dove from the sky and remain upon him. I did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, 'On whomever you see the Spirit come down and remain, he is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.'" John 1:31-22

Piety

Lord, give us the drive of John to make you and your work know to the world. Give us the courage to let the world know that we are your children and that we are here to do your work. Amen.

Study

http://www.usccb.org/nab/010308.shtml

"On whomever you see the Spirit come down and remain, he is the one."

Our encounter with Jesus is not some spur-of-the-moment experience, like visiting Disney World or attending the latest Rolling Stones concert tour. It is a permanent and life changing experience. Once we have that experience, God remains with us and we remain with God. Once we have this encounter, John tells us that "we are God's children now." Once we are identified as God's children, there is no turning back. It's not like you can move to another city and root, root, root for the new home team. You can't be traded like some sports franchise would deal its star player to another city for other players or cash. You cannot run down to The Sports Authority and buy a new jersey of your favorite player. You are God's and that is what you will remain.

Jesus is the first example of such permanence. John did not just see the Spirit hovering over Jesus and then fly away. He saw it "remain."

Action

How will people know that you are on God's team? Will they read it on your resume? Maybe you can not reveal things outright. However, you can unveil something about yourself by showing where you volunteer and what activities with which you are involved: social action, religious education, family life, youth group. Reveal it publicly.