Dear Friends in Christ,
On this Second Sunday in Ordinary Time, the gospel presents us with St. John the Baptist directing those following him to follow Jesus instead. His testimony is clear “Behold, the Lamb of God!”
As the last of the prophets, St. John the Baptist knew who Jesus was and was clear that His purpose was to point out Jesus as the promised Messiah to the people. St. John’s testimony to Jesus was followed by St. Andrew telling his brother, Simon Peter, about Jesus. Indeed, St. John the Baptist’s efforts began a process whereby he led people to Jesus and these people, in turn, led new people to the Lord.
St. John the Baptist identifies Jesus as ‘The Lamb of God.’ This title emphasizes that Jesus will become the sacrifice that takes away sin on the Cross. By identifying Jesus as The Lamb of God, St. John the Baptist directs our attention towards gratitude for the gift of eternal life that Jesus gives us through faith.
It is faith that leads us to victory over the many evils that beset us: sin, doubt, sickness, anxiety, resentments, fears and indifference. Through faith, we experience the salvation Jesus won for us presently at work in our lives. Though Jesus once died for our sins and won for us God’s
forgiveness, He continues to do so today through the graces we receive through the Sacraments and prayer.
When we acknowledge that Jesus is The Lamb of God, we express our gratitude to God for the salvation He won for us in Christ. This title of Jesus also makes us consider the immensity of God’s love, show to us in Jesus’ willing sacrifice for our sins.
At Mass this Sunday, as we recite the “Lamb of God” prayer during the liturgy, may we find new meaning in this biblical title of Our Lord.
In Christ,
Fr. Michael