by Fr D. Mazibuko OSM
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1st Reading: Isaiah 49:3-5, 6
2nd Reading: I Cor 1:1-3
Gospel: Jn 1:29-34
Last Sunday we heard how Jesus was proclaimed ‘the beloved Son’ soon after his Baptism at the river Jordan. In the gospel today he is called by John the Baptist ‘The Lamb of God’. Indeed we hear the same words ‘Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world’ at every Eucharistic celebration. In the first reading we hear of how Israel is referred to as’ you are my servant’ in whom I shall be glorified. As I reflect on this verse alone, I am convinced that each and every baptised person that is each one of us is ‘God’s servant’. God has a Mission for each one of us.
Our existence has a Divine purpose. God trusts us so much that He wants to be glorified in and through us. Like Israel we are to be the ‘Lumen Gentium’ as per the Church’s document of the Second Vatican Council. The document emphasises the importance of the Church’s Mission to be the light of the nations today. And therefore, being a servant chosen for purpose is indeed a serious gift and mission that we have received from God. We are not only sent as individuals but as a community of believers as well.
In the gospel, Jesus is called the Lamb of God that takes away the sins of the world. Like John the Baptist, each one of us is called, and invited to proclaim Jesus as the only Lamb that takes away the sins of the world. As the prophet Isaiah says in the first reading, Jesus was formed in the womb not only to be light and servant of the Lord but to be the Lamb that takes away the sin of the world. Jesus is the ‘beloved and chosen one’ for the world. He is the Lamb we receive during Mass.
He is the Lamb that we bring to the world, the Lamb that calls us to reconcile so that there can be peace. He is the Lamb that calls us to forgive our neighbour so that there can be harmony. Jesus is the Lamb that calls us to listen attentively to His Father. Indeed God is glorified in Him, for Jesus listened, fulfilled the Mission that God had given Him. The glorification of God today rests on each of us. A divine mission has been given to us, of being servants of God like Jesus, of being light to the nations and of proclaiming Jesus as the Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world.