In a society where everybody is competing and trying to destroy the reputation of others, today’s Gospel from John gives us a teaching about not speaking ill of others: no intrigues, no gossiping, nothing bad, but rather saying what is best and true about others—just as John does about Jesus: “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (Jn 1:29). He was so proud of proclaiming who Jesus was.

The second idea that calls my attention in today’s Gospel is the clarity with which John mentions his reason for being: “The reason I came baptizing with water was that he might be revealed to Israel” (Jn 1:31). Then John recognizes his role before Jesus, adding more to the understanding of Jesus’ identity: “A man who comes after me has surpassed me” (Jn 1:30).

John also gives testimony of what he has seen: “I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on him” (Jn 1:32). He explains the difference between his baptism and the baptism of Jesus: “The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit” (Jn 1:33). At the same time, the mission of Jesus is clearly defined: He comes to baptize with the Holy Spirit.

In the last verse, John says the best thing someone can say about another: “I have seen and I testify that this is God’s Chosen One” (Jn 1:34). What a beautiful identity—God’s Chosen One. If only we could truly believe in the giftedness of being chosen.

Thus, the Gospel tells us about John that “the reason I came baptizing with water was that he might be revealed to Israel”; that he was “sent to baptize with water”; and that he can say, “I have seen and I testify.”

And this is the testimony John gives about Jesus: that He is “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world”; “the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit”; and “God’s Chosen One.”

Fr. Palau, OCD, also has the role of giving testimony to who the Church is, always comparing his own nothingness with the infinite beauty of the Church: “You are infinitely beautiful and lovable, and I am pleased in believing in your beauty and excellence. I believe you alone are the goal of my love; that is, you alone are for me the only one worthy of love.” (MR 21, 7)