The author of the First Letter of John wanted to encourage and strengthen the community of faith. The life and death of Jesus Christ were central. This was the message of God - that Jesus is the Son of God. The water and the blood and the Holy Spirit were witnesses of this. Those who believed had been born of God and had God in their hearts. They would have eternal life. The author wanted the early Church to be reassured of this truth.

John was baptizing people in the wilderness. It was a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. However, John told the people that there was someone coming who was more worthy than he and who would baptize them with the Holy Spirit. Then when Jesus was baptized by John, the Holy Spirit called Him the Beloved Son of God. Mark set forth Jesus' mission and identified Him as the Son of God.

We who believe are also the beloved sons and daughters of God. How does that make you feel? At each Mass we say that we are not worthy, yet our Lord continues to invite us to His table. We are blessed!