2nd Sunday of Ordinary Time
January 20, 2002
Reading I: Isaiah 49:3,5-6 II: 2Cor 1:1-3
Gospel
John 1:29-34

29The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, "Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!
30This is he of whom I said, 'After me comes a man who ranks before me, for he was before me.'
31I myself did not know him; but for this I came baptizing with water, that he might be revealed to Israel."
32And John bore witness, "I saw the Spirit descend as a dove from heaven, and it remained on him.
33I myself did not know him; but he who sent me to baptize with water said to me, 'He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain, this is he who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.'
34And I have seen and have borne witness that this is the Son of God."


Interesting Details
One Main Point

LAMB OF GOD, WHO TAKES AWAY THE SINS OF THE WORLD

John the Baptist presumably did not know Jesus, but he is the first to bear witness and to proclaim that Jesus is the Lamb of God, who has the power to take away the sins of the world. John testifies as he himself sees and describes the Spirit's descending and remaining upon Jesus.


Reflections
  1. The people who went to John the Baptist on the bank of the Jordan River might have different attitudes: a great number came to be baptized, some by curiosity or just to be with friends, others to question and to criticize.

    By my activities in the church or in my community group, who am I in the crowd on the bank of the Jordan River?

  2. Pausing the baptism, humbling himself, directing the attention of people to the person being in sight, John the Baptist courageously steps over his "ego" and acts under the light of the Holy Spirit; he turns himself as an instrument for the Holy Spirit.

    What are the motives in my actions?

  3. John the Baptist chooses the most shallow spot in the Jordan River, where people from nations can travel or do business, for his mission. Therefore, the crowd includes not only Israelites, but also people from other countries, other cultures and economics.

    Is my mission limited only within my own, my family's, or my group's salvation?


Enter Reader's Response or View Reader's Response this week
A synthesis by the Vietnamese Christian Life (Dong Hanh) Community

Previous Next