Breaking the Word

GOSPEL READING Lk 3:15-16,21-22

Baptism is both a sign and recognition. John Baptized with water. People believed that what John was doing was a sign of Messiah. People were waiting for a Messiah and their expectations were fulfilled in John. All what he did was a sign for the people. John had to openly acknowledge that he was not the messiah and the messiah is coming after him and he would baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire.

At the moment of Baptism god recognized and acknowledged Jesus to be his beloved son. And this was heard by Jesus only because it is written “you are my …”. Jesus heard the words of recognition and acknowledgement. So baptism is, in a sense, divine recognition.

திருமுழுக்கு என்பது ஒரு அடையாளம். அதே நேரத்தில் அது ஒரு அங்கீகாரம்> ஒரு ஒப்புதல். கடவுள் இயேசுவை தன் அன்பார்ந்த மகன் என்று அங்கீகரிக்கிறார் அதற்கு ஒப்புதலும் கொடுக்கிறார். அது ஒரு உறவின் அங்கீகாரம் அந்த உறவில் வளர ஒப்புதல்.

GOSPEL READING Jn 3: 22-30

John justifies the action of Jesus and at the same time reveals his own identity. John says that he is only a forerunner. He has come to prepare the way for him. But both Jesus and John are doing the same activity. Both of them are baptizing. Since the activities are similar people are not able to distinguish one from the other. The question is: are they both messiahs?

Jesus is the Messiah and hence John says that he is not the one. There could be only one messiah and hence the other is not and he himself is only a precursor. John makes the distinction clear. One is a friend and the other is the bridegroom. As friends they may look equal but one among the two is the bridegroom. This brings joy and happiness.

இயேசுவும் யோவானும் திருமுழுக்கு கொடுத்துக் கொண்டிருக்கிறார்கள். பணியிலும் போதனையிலும் இருவரும் ஒன்றாகத் தோன்றினாலும் இருவரும் மெசியா அல்ல. ஒருவர்தான் மெசியா மற்றவர் அவரின் நண்பரே.