A final call to remain in him!

Father Perry D. Leiker, pastor.

A reflection on the daily readings, for the Memorial of Sts. Basil the Great and Gregory Nazianzen, bishops and doctors of the church, by Father Perry.

By Father Perry D. Leiker, pastor

+ Authenticity! That’s what is important. Authenticity!

In John’s letter, he was so concerned that the truth remained in his community. Remaining absolutely connected with the Son and the Father, remaining in the truth!

John reaffirmed the anointing that taught and teaches truth, and keeps one faithful and away from falsehood — a final call to remain in him.

And John’s Gospel challenges John the Baptist to truthfully reveal who he was and what he was doing.

John did not claim anything, except to be the voice crying out in the desert to, “prepare the way of the Lord.”

Prepare, he did! John even clarified the difference in baptism that he was doing, and that which Jesus would do.

The invitation and the challenge is the same for us 2,000 years after Jesus walked the earth, after John the Baptist baptized, and after John’s community received the evangelized word and received the letter of John calling them to fidelity.

The same remains true for us!