Today is the Second Sunday in Ordinary Time
I made it to Mass at the St. Raphael Chapel at Work. It was a beautiful Mass.
First Reading: (Isaiah 49:3, 5–6)
“You are my servant, Israel, through whom I show my glory…
I will make you a light to the nations, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.”
Responsorial Psalm: (Psalm 40:2, 4, 7–8, 8–9, 10)
R. Here am I, Lord; I come to do your will.
Second Reading: (1 Corinthians 1:1–3)
“To you who have been sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be holy…
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”
Alleluia: (John 1:14a, 12a)
“The Word of God became flesh and dwelt among us.
To those who accepted him, he gave power to become children of God.”
Gospel: (John 1:29–34)
John the Baptist sees Jesus and proclaims:
“Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.”
He testifies that he saw the Spirit descend like a dove and remain upon Jesus, revealing Him as the Son of God.
Reflection:
“Behold the Lamb: Recognizing God When He Passes By”
Today’s readings revolve around one powerful spiritual movement:
recognition.
Isaiah speaks of a servant chosen from the womb, destined to be a light to the nations.
John the Baptist points to Jesus and cries out, “Behold the Lamb of God!”
Paul reminds the Corinthians, and us, that we are called to be holy.
Each reading is an invitation to see God clearly and to respond with a willing heart.
1. God reveals Himself, but we must notice Him
John the Baptist had one mission:
to help others recognize Jesus.
He didn’t say, “Look at me.”
He said, “Look at Him.”
In a world full of noise, distraction, and self-promotion, John’s humility is a spiritual wake-up call.
He teaches us that holiness begins with attention, the ability to notice God’s presence in ordinary moments.
God is always speaking.
The question is whether we are listening.
2. “Here am I, Lord”, the posture of a servant
The Psalm gives us the only fitting response to God’s revelation:
“Here am I, Lord; I come to do your will.”
Not:
“Here am I, Lord, if it’s easy.”
“Here am I, Lord, after I finish my plans.”
This is the posture of availability,
the posture of Mary at the Annunciation,
the posture of Jesus in Gethsemane.
Holiness is not perfection.
Holiness is availability.
3. You are called to be a light
Isaiah’s prophecy is not only about Israel, it is also about you.
God says:
“It is too little for you to be my servant…
I will make you a light to the nations.”
God’s plans for you are always bigger than your plans for yourself.
He calls you beyond comfort, beyond fear, beyond smallness.
You were not created to hide.
You were created to shine.
4. The Lamb of God takes away sin, personally
When John says, “Behold the Lamb of God,” he is announcing:
Freedom from shame
Healing from wounds
Release from burdens
Restoration of identity
Jesus does not only take away the sin of the world,
He takes away your sin,
your heaviness,
your past.
This is not abstract theology.
This is personal salvation.
Spiritual Takeaway for Today
Pay attention. God is passing by in your day, in people, in silence, in Scripture.
Be available. Say “Here am I, Lord,” even if your voice trembles.
Shine. You are called to be a light in your home, your work, and your community.
Behold the Lamb. Let Jesus take what you’ve been carrying too long.
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