Daily Catholic Lectio. Fri, 2 January ‘26. I and He

Daily Catholic Lectio

Fri, 2 January ‘26

1 John 2:22-28. John 1:19-28

I and He

The readings today invite us into a quiet but demanding reflection: the relationship between who I am and who He is. In the Gospel, John the Baptist helps us ask three honest questions—questions that shape a truthful life of faith: Who am I not? Who am I? Who is He?

Who am I not?

When questioned by the religious leaders, John is strikingly clear. He says what many of us find hard to say: I am not the Messiah. I am not Elijah. I am not the Prophet. John knows his limits. He does not borrow another’s identity. He does not claim a role that is not his. There is great freedom in this humility. Many confusions in life begin when we try to become someone we are not.

Who am I?

John then defines himself in one line: “I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness.” Saint Augustine beautifully explains this image. John is the voice; Jesus is the Word. The voice is necessary to carry the word, but once the word is heard, the voice fades. The voice does not compete with the word; it serves it. John accepts a life that points away from himself. He is content to decrease so that the Word may remain.

Who is He?

John points to someone already standing among them—unknown, unrecognised, yet central. When John says he is not worthy even to loosen the strap of His sandal, he is saying more than humility. In biblical language, he is confessing: I am not the rightful one; He is. Jesus is the one with authority, responsibility, and mission. John’s whole identity is shaped by Christ’s identity.

This is the heart of the Gospel: my life finds its meaning only in relation to Him. John is not the Messiah, yet his life is great because it is rightly ordered toward the Messiah.

The first reading reminds us that we remain in God not by pretending, but by abiding in the truth we have received. When we live from the grace given to us, we are not confused by comparisons.

Today, many struggle because they measure themselves against others—trying to copy, compete, or surpass. But holiness is not imitation of another person; it is fidelity to one’s own calling. Carlo Acutis said it simply: “All are born as originals, but many die as photocopies.” John the Baptist never became a photocopy. He was fully himself—and that is why he could fully point to Christ.

For us, the message is clear. We are called to bear witness to Jesus, who is the Word. If we are the voice, that is enough. But our voices must never hide the Word. Our words, our actions, our ministries must not draw attention to ourselves, but make Christ clearer.

To know who we are not, to accept who we are, and to point faithfully to who He is—this is the path of peace.

May John the Baptist teach us the courage to be ourselves, the humility to step aside, and the joy of letting Christ be seen and heard through us.

Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi

Archdiocese of Madurai

Missionary of Mercy