2ND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME: SEEING, BELIEVING, AND TESTIFYING: THE EXAMPLE OF JOHN THE BAPTIST

John the Baptist is not gone from the scene. His mission does not end with baptizing Jesus. From the womb, his entire life is ordered toward God. This weekend’s readings echo that same posture of availability and obedience, beautifully captured in the Psalm: “Here am I, Lord; I come to do your will.” Like the prophet Isaiah, John embodies what it means to exist for God’s glory and to become light for others. God commissions his servants to be light to the nations, so that salvation may reach every people and place.

In today’s Gospel, John sees Jesus coming toward him and immediately identifies him as the Redeemer. This recognition is not superficial; it is born of spiritual insight. Moved by the Holy Spirit, John proclaims Jesus as “the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.” His spirit confirms the truth of Christ’s mission. As Bishop Barron often observes, whenever John appears in the Gospels, he becomes the interpretive lens through which we are taught how to see Jesus. John never draws attention to himself. He points, confidently and insistently, to Christ—and by doing so, he draws others to the Messiah.

The first thing to note in this encounter is John’s prophetic clarity. He reveals something profound about Jesus’ priesthood—a priesthood rooted in sacrifice. Jesus is the Son of God who comes down from heaven for humanity’s sake. In obedience to the Father, he offers himself as the fulfillment of divine love for the world, giving his life as a ransom for many. John points directly to the heart of Jesus’ mission: to take away the sins of the world. His knowledge does not come from familiarity or human reasoning. “I did not know him,” he says, “but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me.” John’s testimony flows from faith and from openness to the Spirit’s revelation.

This raises an important question: what makes Jesus’ priesthood unique? The Letter to the Hebrews reminds us that Jesus is not a distant or indifferent high priest. He is one who understands our weakness, who has been tested in every way—yet without sin. Because of this, we are invited to approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, to receive mercy and find help in our time of need (Heb. 4:14–16). This matters deeply in our time, especially amid conflicting teachings about Jesus and subtle pressures to reduce him to a moral teacher, social reformer, or therapist. John does none of that. He names Jesus plainly and boldly: “the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.”

Every time we gather for Mass, the Church places these same words on the lips of the priest: “Behold the Lamb of God…” Whether we truly grasp their meaning is worth serious reflection. The altar is not merely a table; it is the place of sacrifice. It represents the heart of Christ’s self-giving love. At the altar, the sacrifice of the Lamb is made present, and we are invited not only to witness it but to participate in it and be transformed by it. Through the altar, God steps down into our lives, offering mercy, healing, and salvation.

Allow me to share a personal experience. After completing my Ph.D. in marriage and family therapy, I felt a strong desire to practice as a therapist, yet I struggled to understand how this would integrate with my priesthood. During my internship, I encountered clients facing deep individual, marital, and family struggles. While faith-based counseling was not emphasized in that setting, I noticed a gap when faith was excluded. The work helped—but only to a point. Gradually, I became more explicit in integrating faith into the therapeutic process. What followed was striking: I experienced deeper fulfillment, and my clients gained greater clarity and healing. Even my organization recognized the value of this integration and offered to retain me after my internship. I still have their letter of employment today.

The priesthood brings people to the depths of Jesus’ sacrifice by pointing them to the Lamb of God. The priest should speak boldly about Jesus as the One who takes away humanity's sins. Priesthood points humanity to divine love through the sacrifice of the Mass. Priesthood brings forgiveness and reconciliation through the sacrament of penance.

The lesson is clear. Christ is not simply one option among many. He is the Lamb of God—the healer, Savior, and Redeemer. He forgives sins, restores dignity, and enters the depths of our hearts because he loves us. He gave himself completely on the cross for our salvation. John recognizes him, puts his faith in him, and bears witness to who he truly is.  We are invited to do the same: to approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, receive mercy, and then help others encounter Jesus as Lord and Savior.

Readings: Is. 49:3, 5–6; 1 Cor. 1:1–3; Jn. 1:29–34

Reflection Questions

1.     In what ways do I truly see Jesus—not just as a helper or teacher, but as the Lamb of God who takes away my sins?

2.     How does my participation in the Mass, especially at the altar, shape my understanding of sacrifice, mercy, and salvation?

3.     How am I called this week to point others to Christ through my words, choices, and witness?