Behold Jesus Who Takes Away the Sins of the World

01-15-2023Weekly ReflectionFr. Anthony Okolo, C.S.Sp, V.F.

Isaiah, in the first reading, tells of the servant whom the Lord will show his glory. This servant is destined to raise up the tribes of Jacob and restore the survivors of Israel. There is no other person than Jesus who was born for us during Christmas. He is that servant whom John the Baptist points out to us in the Gospel.

He came to restore us to the glory God has for us from the beginning and to shower his light upon us that we may reflect his light in the society in which we live. He was born so that we might radiate the light that it is for us to realize God is all in all.

During the advent season leading to Christmas, we encountered the parents of John the Baptist, Zechariah and Elizabeth, in different stages. Now that Jesus has been born for us, we now see John the Baptist pointing out Jesus to us as the lamb who has come to take away the sins of the world. When Mary visited Elizabeth, she proclaimed that as soon as the child in her womb heard about Mary’s greeting that the child in her womb leaped for joy. Now that the child has been born, he begins that work for which he was joyful about. After John had baptized Jesus, he knew that he must take the back seat while Jesus takes the driving seat. The humility of John the Baptist is a virtue presented to all of us to emulate to know when to give room for others. John would have remained on the stage, but he knew he had completed his part and had to allow Jesus to take over.

In humility, we recognize our place and take our rightful position just as John the Baptist did. Let us pray for the grace of humility in all that we do, following the example of John the Baptist.

Fr. Tony Okolo C.S.Sp., V.F.

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