Readings: Isaiah 49:3,5-6, Ps. 40:2,4,7-10, 1 Corinthians 1:1-3, John 1:29-34
“The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, ‘Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!’” (John 1:29)
Last Sunday, we celebrated the Baptism of Jesus. We noted that the baptism of Jesus was another moment of the revelation (or Epiphany) of Jesus’ identity. In today’s Gospel passage, John the Baptist points to Jesus, describing Him as the “Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.” John the Baptist’s confession was based on what he witnessed during the Baptism, “I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it remained on him.” (John 1:32).
Even though John the Baptist already knew that Jesus was the Messiah (for this reason, he initially declined to baptise Jesus), what he saw during the baptism confirmed his belief that Jesus was the Lamb of God. In other words, Jesus’ baptism enlightened John the Baptist and all who witnessed it, thereby fulfilling Isaiah’s prophecy in today’s First Reading that God would make the nation of Israel the light of the nations.
Meanwhile, in our Second Reading, St. Paul reminds us of our calling as Christians to be saints – lights reflecting the light of Christ amid the darkness of sin in the world. What kind of light am I? Am I still shining? Do I find darkness more attractive? Let us consider some lessons from today’s readings.
1. You Are the Glory of God; Be Committed to Nation Building
In today’s First Reading, God speaks to the entire nation of Israel: “You are my servant, Israel, in whom I will be glorified.” In Luke’s Gospel, we read that when Jesus was baptised “and was praying, the heaven was opened, and the Holy Spirit descended upon him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, ‘You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.’” (Luke 3:21-22). Isaiah’s words find concrete fulfilment in Jesus Christ, but they also apply to us. God wants to be glorified in you.
How is God glorified in us? Today’s Responsorial Psalm answers this question. “See, I have come, Lord, to do your will.” God is glorified in us when we do exactly what He wants us to do; that is, when we are committed to “fulfilling all righteousness” as Jesus said to John the Baptist when He came for baptism. You are the glory of God; do not do the minimum. Be excellent. Do the right thing even though no one will punish you for not doing it.
The Psalmist says, “In the scroll of the book it stands written of me: ‘I delight to do your will, O my God; your instruction lies deep within me. Your justice I have proclaimed in the great assembly.’” God is glorified in us when we love our neighbours as ourselves, and this is where nation-building comes in. To make our country great, to “raise the tribes of Jacob and to restore the preserved of Israel”, you must be willing to sacrifice for others like the Good Samaritan, even if they do not come from your tribe or worship in the same Church with you.
Jesus said, “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous.” (Matthew 5:44-45). It is in loving our enemies that God takes pride in us as His children.
2. You Have Been Sanctified in Christ Jesus; Aspire For Sainthood
In today’s Second Reading, St. Paul greets the Corinthians in these words, “those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints…” (1 Corinthians 1:2). At this time, Corinth was considered the sin capital of the Roman world. Corinth was a wealthy, bustling trade hub known for its extreme licentiousness; the term “Korinthiazo” meant “to act like a Corinthian,” implying sexual immorality. Temples, especially to Aphrodite, were linked to prostitution, making fornication common and culturally accepted.
St. Paul’s audience was anything but saints. The church was fractured by loyalty to different leaders (Paul, Apollos, Cephas) and individualism, boasting in worldly wisdom rather than Christ. They misused their Christian freedom, leading to abuses in worship (Lord’s Supper) and confusion about spiritual gifts. To a large extent, our society contains many similarities with the Corinthian Church. Today, you hear statements of self-defeat such as _body no be firewood, after all, no be me kill Jesus_. Yet, the call to become saints remains ever valid.
What is the essence of being a Christian if, at the end of this life, we fail to make heaven (become saints)? Isn’t it better that we are not Christians at all? Were we sanctified for nothing? A mediocre (average) Christian is just as good as a non-Christian, and sadly, there are now too many of us who settle for average; we are neither hot nor cold. (Cf. Rev. 3:15-16) Who is a Saint? A saint is an example, a role model, a light. In his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus told us: “You are the light of the world… let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16)
Stop trying to be like others; dare to be different. You don’t have to do evil because it is popular; you may assume “everybody is doing it”, but this is the greatest lie of the devil. Not everybody is doing evil; there are living saints among us. How can we shine when we are surrounded by darkness? Be close to Jesus; remain connected to the Lamb of God who has come to take away the sins of the world. Jesus would say: “Cut off from me, you can do nothing.” (John 15:5). The more you distance yourself from Jesus (by skipping your daily prayers or not spending time in His presence), the less you can resist temptations to sin.
3. You Are the John the Baptist of Today; Introduce Jesus Christ to Everyone
Like John the Baptist, our calling as Christians is to tell the world what we have seen about Christ. By his lifestyle and preaching, John the Baptist did an excellent work of preparing the hearts of the people for Christ. He was so good at this task that people thought he was the Christ. When the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?” He confessed and did not deny it, but confessed, “I am not the Messiah.” They asked him, “Why then are you baptising if you are neither the Messiah, nor Elijah, nor the prophet?” John answered them, “I baptise with water. Among you stands one whom you do not know, the one who is coming after me; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandal.” (John 1:19-27)
Despite this amount of popularity, John the Baptist did not forget his mission. He never allowed pride blur his vision. He seized every opportunity he could to point the world to Christ. He did not mind that some of his disciples left him to follow Jesus. (cf. John 1:35-37). When he was told that Jesus was now baptising, he said, “The friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom’s voice. For this reason, my joy has been fulfilled. He must increase, but I must decrease.” (John 3:29-30).
I guess you’re asking, “Does Jesus need a hypeman?” Yes. Jesus needs you and me to tell the world about Him. Jesus needs your voice, your hands, your legs. He needs your platform, your social media space, your connections, and your popularity. If worldly-minded people are not ashamed to identify with evil, why are we ashamed of our Christian faith? If, for the sake of monetisation, our youths today are ready to do wild things on social media, why are we afraid of “going crazy” for Jesus, knowing that the reward that awaits us far outweighs the dollars they hope to earn from social media companies?
Our world has become so dark today that merely identifying with Jesus has become a crime. Recently, I saw an interview where a celebrity was asked about his role models. When he mentioned that Jesus Christ was his most excellent role model, the interviewer reacted negatively. Can you imagine how tough it would have been for Jesus if John the Baptist had not prepared the grounds for Him? Why are we so ashamed of pointing attention to Jesus Christ?
How often do you speak about Jesus in your daily interactions with people? Do you try to make Jesus popular? Are you committed to making disciples for Christ? This is our mission statement as Christians to “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to the whole creation.” (Mark 16:15). If you must be a light, then let everything about you talk about Jesus. Have you ever tried to start a conversation about Jesus with someone only to find yourself speechless? Remember that “out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks.” (Matthew 12:24, Luke 6:45).
4. Like Jesus, You Are Called to Be a Lamb, Not a Lion.
By referring to Jesus as the Lamb of God, John was already pointing our minds to Jesus’ death on the cross for the salvation of the world. Jesus himself would say: “The Son of man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:28). There is more joy in giving than in receiving. It is better to serve others than to lord it over them. Be willing to make sacrifices for others.
As a lamb, you must be a person of peace. Christians are not known to be quarrelsome. They do not hold grudges; they do not let the sun set on their anger. (cf. Ephesians 4:26). When offended, they make the first move to reconcile. Jesus said, “If anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also; and if anyone would sue you and take your coat, let him have your cloak as well; and if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles.” (Matthew 5:39-41).
The term “lamb” also signifies humility. By drawing attention to Jesus, rather than to himself, John the Baptist epitomises humility. By taking joy in seeing Jesus increase while he decreased, John the Baptist acted like a sacrificial lamb. When we are humble, God notices us; He exalts us. Regarding John the Baptist, Jesus said, “I tell you, among those born of women no one has arisen greater than John the Baptist” (Matthew 11:11)
Let us pray: Almighty ever-living God, who governs all things, both in heaven and on earth, mercifully hear the pleading of your people and bestow your peace on our times. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Liturgical Colour: Green. Bible Study: Isaiah 49:3,5-6, Ps. 40:2,4,7-10, 1 Corinthians 1:1-3, John 1:29-34)
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu