I DID NOT KNOW HIM

PRAYER PAUSE

Tuesday 3 January 2017

 I DID NOT KNOW HIM

Pause. Enter into the stillness of God within.

Reading: “I did not know him myself, and yet it was to reveal him to Israel that I came baptising with water.” (John 1:29-34)

Reflection. Twice we are told that John the Baptist did not know Jesus yet their mothers knew each other and they must have known each other growing up. Yet John (the writer of the gospel) was not referring to the knowledge of relations or friends. There is always a second layer of meaning. Here he refers to who Jesus really was and even the Baptist had to grow in this knowledge. So it is hardly surprising if we take time to discover Jesus. It is a lifetime quest. Eight days after he was born he was given his name. A name is a gateway to start us off on the journey of interior knowledge of another person. And it remains an anchor to hold us steady in our continuing search.  

Prayer. Lord Jesus, help us to grow in our knowledge and love of you. And teach us to follow you in all things. Amen.