it didn't take long
"Remain in Him now, little ones, so that, when He reveals Himself, we may be fully confident." —1 John 2:28
It's only the second day of the year and already some of us feel like calling it quits. Some feel sick, some are depressed, some have already fallen into sin. No wonder we hesitate to make New Year's resolutions. The devil is a liar (1 Jn 2:22), and he's starting off the year accusing us with a vengeance (Rv 12:10). He's constantly pressuring us and asking: "Who are you?" (Jn 1:19)
We already feel inferior because we've been comparing ourselves with others over the Christmas season. We may be struggling to love and accept ourselves, so the question "Who are you?" is intimidating. It makes us feel like we're no good and we have to prove ourselves. The devil hopes to pressure us into depression or rash action. Depression leads to apathy while rash action results in failure, discouragement, and also apathy.
With John the Baptizer, we must refuse to be stampeded. We should see our lives in the light of God's word and derive our identity from our relationship with Jesus (Jn 1:23, 26-27).
Prayer: Father, may I treasure in my heart what You're doing in my life and not make any big decisions for two weeks (Lk 2:19).
Promise: "There is One among you Whom you do not recognize — the One Who is to come after me — the strap of Whose sandal I am not worthy to unfasten." —Jn 1:26-27
Praise: St. Gregory wrote of himself and St. Basil: "Our single object and ambition was virtue and a life of hope in the blessings that are to come."
Reference: (For a related teaching, order our book Who Am I In Christ? or on audio AV 7A-1 or video V-7A.)
Rescript: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, June 13, 2006
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