TEXT: The Holy Gospel according to St. John 1:29-34

29 The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him and said, "Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world."

When Jesus and John the Baptizer were in the wombs of their mothers, Mary and Elizabeth, at the Visitation, the babe, John leaped in the womb of Elizabeth at the presence of Mary and Jesus.  There was a resonance in that meeting of the four significant people whose testimonies would change the course of humanity.

Of all that were born of women, John was the greatest.  However, the least in the kingdom of heaven was greater than he (cf. Matthew 11:11; Luke 7:28).

Yet, here we have a declaration of John the Baptizer that speaks of the greatest Glory that will come to those in the kingdom of heaven through the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.

Who is this Lamb of God.

John identifies him (Jesus) with, as it appears, the statement of the prophet Isaiah of the "Servant of the Lord," (Isaiah 53:7) and like the Passover Lamb.

Listen to Isaiah 53: 6-8 --

6 We had all gone astray like sheep, each following his own way;
But the LORD laid upon him the guilt of us all.
7 Though he was harshly treated, he submitted and opened not his mouth;
Like a lamb led to the slaughter or a sheep before the shearers, he was silent and opened not his mouth.
8 Oppressed and condemned, he was taken away, and who would have thought any more of his destiny?
When he was cut off from the land of the living, and smitten for the sin of his people. . .

Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of mankind.  What a statement of John.  How profound this is for us, when we read this text today!

Jesus was One the people did not know.

He had not yet revealed himself to the people, the crowds.

John was the one sent by God to proclaim the coming of the Messiah, to be the herald of Messiah.  In verse 27 of John’s Gospel, chapter 1, the Baptizer says, "even he who comes after me, the thong of whose sandal I am not worthy to untie."

St. Augustine says -- "He who imitates the humility of the Precursor will understand these words ...John’s greatest merit, my brethren, is this act of humility."

John’s statements speak to our hearts.

We are cautioned in these words not to think highly of ourselves and our notions of superiority to the saints.  We are humbled as we find we know so little.  Here is a holy man, John the Baptizer, who outshines many who have lived since that day.  Yet, here is a man who understood at this proclamation that has been said and follows -- Who Jesus really IS!

"Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world."

There is more, beloved. . .

30 "He is the one of whom I said, 'A man is coming after me who ranks ahead of me because he existed before me.'
31 I did not know him,  but the reason why I came baptizing with water was that he might be made known to Israel."

What a thrilling revelation, an unveiling of the Truth, the Way, the Life!

He existed before me.

I did not know him.

I came baptizing with water. . .that he might be made known!

Now, for the first time in the Gospel Christ is called the "Lamb of God."

Every KIND of SIN will be taken care of through Christ, the Lamb of God!
In Holy Communion the priests say these words before administering the Host -- "This is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.  Happy are those who are called to his supper."

And, what do we say or sing before this?

"Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us, etc."

We all acknowledge the presence of the Lamb of God who takes away the SIN of the world, yes, every sin is covered, when we are ready to utter in truth and sincerity the prayer -- "Lord, I am not worthy to receive you, but only say the word and I shall be healed."

How we should and must first, and, always, take advantage of the Sacrament of Reconciliation.   The Lamb of God made provision for the sin of the world!

Jesus was capable of making provision for us.  Pope St. Gregory the Great says of John the Baptizer -- "Although I was born before him, he is not limited by the ties of his birth; for although he is born of his mother in time, he is generated by his Father outside of time."

John’s mission as precursor of Jesus the Messiah was to bear witness of Jesus, the Messiah.

He makes this clear now.

32 John testified further, saying, "I saw the Spirit come down like a dove  from the sky and remain upon him.
33 I did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, 'On whomever you see the Spirit come down and remain, he is the one who will baptize with the holy
Spirit.'
34  Now I have seen and testified that he is the Son of God."

"Now I have seen and testified that he is the Son of God."

Let us reflect upon this, beloved -- Now I have seen and testified that he is the Son of God."

God’s Son!

We have heard of Jesus as a great teacher.  We have heard of Jesus as a great prophet.  We have heard many people tell us that Jesus was a great charismatic leader.

But, John makes it very clear to us that Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior is -- the SON of GOD!

I would shrink in terror if I said anything less than this truth to another human being.

My beloved, we are responsible before Almighty God to TELL PEOPLE THE TRUTH.  And, beloved, JESUS IS the WAY, the TRUTH and the LIFE!  (Cf. John 14:6).

John the Baptizer makes this fact clear before us right at the beginning of the public ministry of Jesus, the Christ.

Where do we stand in our understanding of this Truth?

I dare say, I stand with John the Baptizer!

Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, and that means me too.  Jesus is the Son of God.  And, I believe that message as well.

Do we now believe that message enough to allow God the Holy Spirit to transform us into the new creations we are in Christ Jesus,  (Cf. II Corinthians 5:17)?

That is the purpose in the redemptive plan of God, beloved.  It is that we might become like Mary, and be presented someday before God the Son as, "a chaste virgin," (II Corinthians 11:2).

May Jesus and Mary help us to become this and realize the blessedness of knowing deeply the joy of spiritual intimacy with the Son of God.

The world’s system tugs at us for our attention daily.

The devil and the flesh are not far behind desiring to ensnare us.

Yet, the gentle whisper of the Holy Spirit desires our greatest happiness.

Shall we hear and become doers of the words of God and listen to the Lamb of God of whom we partake in Holy Eucharist?

Yes, Jesus, the Lamb of God is the Son of God.

May I too become the child of God he desires me to be.



Deus et Sanctissima.