JESUS, THE LAMB OF GOD!

⏰SECOND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (YEAR A)

📖Isa 49:3, 5-6; Ps 40:2 and 4b, 7-8a, 8b-9, 10 (R.v.8a and 9a); 1 Cor 1:1-3; John 1:29-34

🎤JESUS, THE  LAMB OF GOD!

The bulk of the cult of Isaiah (Isaiah’s prophecy) recorded in chapters 40 to 55 is regarded as the Second Book of Isaiah, which is as well seen as coming from the exilic era. That is the period when the people of Israel were on exile. Let us remember that the prophet had, in the First Book (Isaiah 1 – 31) called the people to turn from their sins, otherwise wait for the wrath of God. So the exile was a result of their sinfulness.

While in exile, Isaiah prophesied liberation for the people. Our First Reading of today is one of such prophesies. In this prophecy (Isa 49:3, 5-6), Isaiah talks about Israel as a servant of God whom God would raise to bring light to the people. Remember that light serves to shed away darkness. Note also that this Light is going to bring salvation to the ends of the earth. Now, that prophecy of having Israel as the servant of God is perfected in Christ. Jesus is light itself and so his liberation is going to be perfect.

John the Baptist added an important description of this perfect servant – He is “THE LAMB OF GOD” (John 1:29). That reminds us of the Passover experience of the people of Israel in Egypt. It tells us that this “LAMB” is going to save us from destruction just as the Israelites were saved if we believe in him.

It also presents Jesus as a replacement of the Old Testament’s mode of reconciliation where the sins of the people are heaped upon the head of a goat and the goat is thus sent into the desert, symbolically carrying the sins with it. So, Jesus as the LAMB OF GOD is going to carry our sins upon him, thus removing the darkness of sin that endangers our lives.

Finally, being the Lamb shows that Jesus is doing this willingly and without complaint. This, again, shows us the great extent of God’s love for us. He loves us because he wants to love us. God is always ready and willing to forgive us of our sins. Are we ready to come back to him?

St. Paul, in the Second Reading, was interested in having every one of us belong to those who are called to be saints. If we want to be saints, we have to come to Christ. When we are in him, grace and peace are assured for us.

May God grant us the grace to take the necessary and constant step towards him and may Christ, the Lamb of God wash away our sins so that we may be able to stand before him always for our salvation and for the salvation of our brethren. Amen.

Have a blessed Sunday celebration. Peace be with you.