By Martin Madalai Muthu csc –
Readings: 1 Jn 3: 22 – 4:6, Mt 4: 12-17, 23-25
Today let us remember and be grateful to the powerful name of Jesus which brought salvation for humanity and glory to God, the Father. His name is so powerful that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, in heaven and on earth, and under the earth (Phil 2:20).
There is an assurance given that through believing in him we may have life in his Name (Jn 20:31). In the first reading, John clearly expresses that when we believe in the name of Jesus and love one another as he has loved us, we can see wonders happening in our lives. Our sins will be forgiven and we shall receive the Holy Spirit if we repent, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ (Act 2:38).
The gospel of the day speaks to us of the teaching, preaching, and healing ministry of Jesus in various places. He did miracles, one after the other, and showed himself as a light amidst the darkness (Mt 4:16). And in the book of the acts of the apostles, we can find many miracles in the powerful name of Jesus (Act 3:6, 16:18). Having read and listened to the miracles that took place in his name, we may still have the question; why then are my prayers not answered?
Today’s first reading gives us an answer by saying, “we shall receive from him whatever we ask if we follow his commandments and do what pleases him.” It is his commandment that we should believe in the name of Jesus Christ and love one another (1 Jn 3:22-23). As we venerate his name today, let us ask God to strengthen our faith and have the heart to love one another as he loved us so that we shall find ourselves as people who abide in him.