Imagine waiting for someone for a long time, only to discover that the person has been waiting for you all along.
In today’s Gospel, John the Baptist proclaims, “There is one among you whom you do not recognize” (John 1:26). These words invite us to a profound examination of awareness and faith. Recognizing Jesus among us has the power to transform our daily actions, our relationships, and the choices we make. But do we truly know that Christ is among us? And if He is, do we recognize Him?
A Question
Some time ago, I posed a question to the children in our parish school; a question they found both curious and engaging: “On your way home from school, or wherever you may be going, if you were to see Jesus, would you recognize Him?” The conversation that followed made it clear that this question is not meant for children alone, – it is meant for all of us. John the Baptist reminds us that there is someone among us who is powerful and holy, yet often unrecognized — “one whom you do not know” (cf. John 1:26). What, then, would change in our lives if we truly came to know and recognize the Lord Jesus Christ?
When important guests are present at an event, great care is taken to acknowledge them. They are often given reserved seats, introduced with honor, and treated with special consideration. Expectations are placed upon them that are not placed upon others. Yet Jesus did not come as a guest. He came as Emmanuel — God with us. Therefore, He must be known, recognized, and made known. Otherwise, He risks remaining merely “one of us” rather than “the One among us.”
One of Us vs. The One Among Us
The difference between these two expressions is subtle, yet deeply significant. If Jesus is merely one of us, then He requires no special recognition. His words may be admired but not obeyed. His teachings may be appreciated but not embraced. He becomes an ordinary teacher — perhaps even an extraordinary one — yet not the Lord of our lives.
But when Jesus is recognized as the One among us, everything changes. Though He has existed from all eternity with the Father and the Holy Spirit, He entered human history for a purpose that is life-changing and salvific. His presence demands a response: acceptance, obedience, communion, and transformation. The One among us draws us into unity with Himself, redeems us, protects us, and reorients our hearts toward divine priorities. God among us also means God for us. As St. Paul beautifully assures us: “If God is for us, who can be against us?” and “What can separate us from the love of Christ?” (Romans 8:31, 35–39). As we begin this new year, could we make it our intention to recognize anew the One among us?
Recognizing the One Among Us
Beyond our daily spiritual routines — especially quality time with Sacred Scripture, through which God reveals His identity, character, and will — I invite us to adopt a simple yet intentional daily practice. Let us commit to acts of kindness, mercy, and forgiveness. Let us regularly examine our hearts to see whether we are at peace, and before we rest each night, make an effort to resolve whatever threatens the peace of Christ within us.
This habit of intentional reflection and charity helps us to recognize, come to know more deeply, and live in fellowship with the One among us — Jesus Christ, our Savior.
May the Lord grant us the grace to recognize His presence more clearly each day.
A blessed and grace-filled New Year to all.
