“EVERYONE WHO THUS HOPES IN HIM PURIFIES HIMSELF AS HE IS PURE” (1 John 3:3)

⏰03 January 2019

📕1 John 2:29 – 3:6; Ps 98:1, 3cd-4, 5-6 (R.v.3cd); John 1:29-34

Remember that we have already seen about three virtues – humility, docility and contentment – which are to guide us to become better in this year. Today, the next virtue we are charged with is PURITY.

Some scriptural texts about impurity and us can be somehow scary. Rev 21:27 says that nothing impure will enter the kingdom of God. In Eccl 7:20, the wise man says, “There is no one so righteous on earth who always does good and never sins.” Rom 3:10 says, “Nobody is just, not even one.”

Who then would be saved?

St John, today, gives us a guide on how to achieve the desired purity; it is by hoping in God, “Everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure” (1 John 3:3). Hoping in God means trusting him in all things and following him faithfully by doing what is right before him. And “whoever remains in him have no sin” (1 John 3:6).

To remain perfect therefore, we must look up to Jesus and follow in his footsteps. John the Baptist pointed him out as the Lamb of God (John 1:29). This description reminds us of the Passover lamb which is “a perfect lamb without blemish” (Exod 12:5).

So Jesus is really our only hope of achieving that purity. As we call on him and follow him daily, may this hope not fail us through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.

Have a grace-filled day. Peace be with you.