13. 2 nd Sunday in Liturgical Year A (John 1:29-34) 16th January 2011
"Be a little lamb of God!"
Dear sisters and brothers in Jesus Christ,
In last week’s homily we heard about the baptism of Jesus. Today we will learn about the John (the Baptist)’s testimony of Jesus.
Just as a testimonial certificate is important for children at school, or serves as a reference for people seeking jobs, so too was John’s testimony of Jesus important in introducing Jesus’ as the Messiah and spreading the word about his upcoming ministry. Since John was able to touch many people with his spirit-filled preaching and baptismal ministry, his testimony about Jesus was crucial in introducing Jesus to the masses. John’s grace and humility is evinced by the fact that he introduced Jesus as the Messiah, when in fact Jesus Himself had come to John seeking to be baptized by him. In verse 34 we read of John’s proclamation of Jesus: "….. He is the Son of God."
I would now like to turn only to the opening words of today’s Gospel. When John the Baptist saw Jesus coming towards him, he described Jesus as “the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world“. John knew that Jesus, the incarnate God, was willing to suffer for the sins of humanity unto His death.
We hear the very same words of John the Baptist in every Mass when the priest raises the Host and says: “Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world"
For the Jews , the audience of that time - that was a very familiar and meaningful description. As Jews, they knew from the stories in the Old Testament, that a lamb slaughtered as a sacrifice, could propitiate God.
Jesus was not merely a lamb that was unwillingly led to "slaughter". He knew exactly what would happen to Him. He was wholeheartedly prepared to accept the sufferings for the salvation of mankind.
The story of Jesus – the Lamb of God, reminds me of one of my own experiences. A few years ago, a group of 30 boys , including myself, made a trip to a waterfall in the southern part of India. As we neared the waterfall, all of us ran to the nearest viewpoint to get a better view of the fall. About six of us in our group were more adventurous than the rest of us and climbed up to a dangerous spot designated as “Prohibited Area”. The rest of us were anxious about them. We called out and warned them, but they were too far away to hear us and the sound of the falls was very loud. Sensing urgency, a friend of mine – a good man, ran behind them at the risk of treading on slippery rocks, to persuade them to turn back. On their way back, they were confronted by three angry policemen, who started to beat them up. The first one to take on the beatings was my friend who had gone to fetch this group back Despite arguing that he was innocent, my friend was inflicted with even more pain due to the beatings. Although others in the group felt sorry for him, they didn’t want to endure his pain.. he had to silently endure all the pain himself.
The story of the Lamb of God, reminds me of this friend of mine who suffered for his friends. He was a lamb that was sacrificed for the sake of his friends.
People who are “Lambs of God," do good to others despite knowing well they may be punished. When we do good to others, but reap punishment, misunderstanding or hatred in reward, we really become the Lambs of God. We should be proud of being followers and friends of Jesus, the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. Across time there have always been people who takes upon themselves the sufferings of the masses, for example, the people who risked their lives, to promote human rights. But Jesus – he not only took on our sufferings, but redeemed mankind of all sins, and died on the Cross to save the world.
In this context, I see such selfless people who live in countries where misconception, superstition and illiteracy etc. are prevalent. Despite all the good work they do, they are often ridiculed and despised by the local people and greedy politicians .To endure trials and tribulations when walking the path of truth and love for the sake of this world and humanity is the true sign of a "Lamb of God" and becoming His follower.
Let us be happy and courageous, when we do good for others despite being rewarded with shame and disgrace - because we as Christians are called to follow Jesus, the Lamb of God.
The history of the world, has shown us that future generations are destined to suffer for the sins of their predecessors. Let us live a life so good that our future generation will not have to bear our sins.
“Always strive to be a little Lamb of God!" Amen!
