When we place our trust in God and choose to abide in him, the power of darkness loses its grip over us. As St. John teaches, when we remain in God, we are protected from the evil one, and the world’s deceptions cannot prevail against us (1 John 5:18-19). This confidence in God also gives us boldness in prayer, for we know that when we ask anything according to his will, he hears us (1 John 5:14-15). Living in this assurance empowers us to walk in his light and to desire what pleases him. John the Baptist’s ministry led people to Christ through repentance, preparing their hearts for the Bridegroom (John 3:29). John’s joyful declaration: “He must increase, but I must decrease”; invites us to let Jesus take his place at the center of our lives. It is the Holy Spirit who makes all this real within us, guiding us and shaping us for our mission. Eternal life is not only a future promise but a reality that begins now, and who would not desire to live in this joy and freedom even today?

PRAYER: Abba Father, fill our hearts with your Spirit. Amen.