The Spirit is the one who testifies, and the Spirit is truth.

The Friday after Epiphany invites us to listen attentively to the testimony of God—not a testimony spoken only in words, but one revealed in flesh, blood, touch, and transforming power. At the heart of today’s readings is a profound assurance: God has testified on behalf of his Son, and this testimony is carried, confirmed, and made alive in us by the Holy Spirit, who is Truth itself. Saint John asks a piercing question: “Who indeed is the victor over the world but the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?” Faith, then, is victory. It is the Spirit within us who convinces our hearts that Jesus is truly the Son, the giver of eternal life. John speaks of three witnesses—the Spirit, the water, and the blood, all pointing to the same truth. The water recalls Jesus’ baptism and our own rebirth in Christ. The blood points to the cross, where love was poured out without reserve. The Spirit binds these together, interpreting them in our hearts and drawing us into their saving power. This testimony is not distant or abstract. In the Gospel, we see it embodied in a deeply human encounter. A man “full of leprosy,” excluded, unclean, and silenced by his condition, approaches Jesus with a fragile and courageous faith: “Lord, if you wish, you can make me clean.” His words already reveal the Spirit’s quiet testimony within him. He does not doubt Jesus’ power; he entrusts himself to Jesus’ will. Jesus responds not only with authority but with compassion. He stretches out his hand and touches him. In that moment, the Spirit testifies to the truth of who God is: not distant, not afraid of our wounds, but willing to cross boundaries to restore dignity and life. “I do will it. Be made clean.” The healing is immediate, but its meaning is deeper, the Spirit reveals Jesus as the Son who brings life where there was exclusion, hope where there was despair. John assures us: “Whoever believes in the Son of God has this testimony within himself.” Eternal life is not only a future promise; it is a present reality carried within us by the Spirit. When we trust, when we approach Jesus with our wounds, when we allow ourselves to be touched and transformed, the Spirit testifies in our hearts that we belong to God. Today, we are invited to ask: Where do I need to hear this testimony anew? What places in my life need the healing touch of Christ? The Spirit, who is truth, continues to whisper, to witness, and to assure us: Whoever possesses the Son has life. May we believe, and in believing, live.