Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world

Ish 49:3.5-6, I Cor. 1:1-3, Jn 1:29-34. On this Second Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A, the Church presents to us through the prophetic insights of Isaiah and John the Baptist, the: “Agnus Dei, qui tollit peccata mundi (Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world).” In today's first reading, God honoured His servant and sealed this honour with a promise: “I will make you a light to the nations.” The purpose for this promise is: “So that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth!” He is the Light of the world and the salvation for the nations, which was fulfilled finally at the coming of Jesus Christ into this world. It was this same Messiah promised by God which John the Baptist proclaimed in today's Gospel before His disciples at the River Jordan just after Jesus was baptised by him. He proclaimed the Lord Jesus as the Lamb of God, as the One who would take away the sins of the world.

John the Baptist invites us to “look” at Jesus; he reflects on his mission to proclaim Jesus to the world. We are free to identify with either: To celebrate times when some 'John the Baptist' (a person, a word or an event) invites us to take a fresh look at Jesus “coming towards us”. To celebrate our mission as parents, teachers, friends, community leaders, spiritual guides to “proclaim” to the world that those in our care are sacred and must be treated with respect. John points to two aspects of Jesus: He is the lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world (v. 29). The words help us to appreciate those who have been for us “lambs of God” who “took away” the sin of our community, people who have touched our lives and help us to understand the words.

May the Lord be for us a refuge and strength so that we can make sacrifice for those whom we lead! Amen!! Good morning and happy Sunday!!!