Homily for the Second Sunday of Epiphany
(Syro Malabar)
Theme: Witnessing the Glory of God
Readings:
- John
1:14-18 – “The Word
became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory”.
- Hebrews
3:1-6 – “Moses was faithful
in all God’s house as a servant, to testify to the things that would be
spoken later”.
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
Today’s readings invite us to reflect on the theme of witnessing the glory
of God. We see two remarkable examples of faithful witnesses: John the
Baptist, who testified to Jesus Christ, the Word made flesh, and Moses, who was
faithful in witnessing the works and words of God. Their lives remind us that
we too are called to be witnesses of God's glory in the world.
1. John the Baptist: Witness to the Word Made Flesh
In the Gospel of John, we hear that “The Word became flesh and lived
among us, and we have seen his glory.” John the Baptist recognized Jesus as the
Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29). His testimony is a
model for us because:
- He was
clear about his mission: John
knew that he was not the Messiah but the one sent to prepare the way. He
declared, “He who comes after me ranks ahead of me because he was before
me” (John 1:15).
- He pointed
others to Christ: John
directed his followers to Jesus, saying, “Behold the Lamb of God!” (John
1:29).
Like John,
we are called to recognize Jesus in our lives and direct others to Him. Our
testimony should not focus on ourselves but on the greatness of Christ.
2. Moses: Faithful Witness of God’s Glory
The author of Hebrews reminds us that Moses was faithful as a servant in
God’s house, testifying to God’s words and deeds. Moses witnessed God’s glory
on Mount Sinai and shared God’s covenant with the people of Israel. His
faithfulness in revealing God's will to the Israelites is a profound example of
obedience and dedication.
- He
encountered God personally:
Moses spoke with God “face to face, as one speaks to a friend” (Exodus
33:11).
- He brought
God’s message to others:
Despite the challenges and the people’s resistance, Moses remained
faithful in delivering God’s commandments and guiding the Israelites.
Like
Moses, we are called to be faithful in our testimony, even when it is
challenging. Our faithfulness in small things reflects our commitment to God's
mission.
3. Witnessing God’s Glory in Our Lives
Both John and Moses encountered God’s glory and shared it with others.
We too are witnesses to God's glory in different ways:
- Through
our personal encounter with Christ: In prayer, the sacraments, and Scripture, we experience the love
and grace of God.
- Through
our daily lives: By
living with integrity, love, and compassion, we become reflections of
Christ’s glory.
Saint Teresa of Calcutta often said, “You may be the only gospel that
someone ever reads”. Your life can testify to the presence of God in the world.
Practical Steps to Witness God’s Glory
1. Deepen your relationship with Christ: Spend time in prayer and Scripture, allowing
God’s Word to transform your heart.
2. Live with integrity: Let your actions align with your faith, so
that others see Christ in you.
3. Proclaim the Gospel in word and deed: Be unafraid to share your faith, both through
your words and your loving actions.
Dear friends, John the Baptist and Moses remind us that witnessing to God’s glory requires humility, faithfulness, and courage. As we continue our journey through the season of Epiphany, let us strive to reflect the light of Christ in our lives. May we, like John and Moses, be faithful witnesses of the glory of God, so that others may come to believe and experience the love and grace of Jesus Christ.
Let us pray:
“Lord, make us faithful witnesses of your glory. Help us to reflect your
love in our words and deeds, and guide us to lead others to you. Amen.”
