Breaking the Word

GOSPEL READING: MARK 1: 7-11

John’s life style and his proclamation are only bearing witness to the Messiah. The witness he bears has two folded message: one is that John is not the expected Messiah and the other is the Messiah is greater than he. John is not even worthy to stoop down to untie his shoes. The baptism which is given by John is also of lesser value because it is the baptism by water.

Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist. But at the same time the recognition by the Father and the descend of the Spirit on him makes the Baptism complete and full. Baptism is complete only when there is the descend of the Spirit and the recognition by the Father. Baptism by the water is only an external sign of the internal transformation that takes place by the Father and the Spirit.

மீட்பருக்கு சாட்சியாக வாழ்வதே திருமுழுக்கு யோவானின் வாழ்வும் போதனையும். இயேசுவின் திருமுழுக்கு யோவானின் திருமுழுக்கைவிட சிறந்தது. இயேசுவின் திருமுழுக்கானது ஆவியாரின் வருகையினாலும் தந்தையின் அங்கிகாரத்தினாலும் சிறப்புப் பெறுகிறது>

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.