The opportunity to help others encounter Christ...
Reflections on the readings for the Second Sunday in Ordinary Time (January 19, 2020): IS 49:3,5-6; PS 40:2,4,7-8,8-9,10; 1 COR 1:1-3; JN 1:29-34
MISSIO offers “Mission In Scripture” to nurture a missionary heart, providing reflections on the missionary themes in the readings of Sundays, Feast Days and Holy Days
The very first chapter of the Gospel according to John the Evangelist emphasizes the role that John the Baptist played in preparing for the coming of the Messiah – and in his recognition of Jesus as that person.
Only Jesus was acknowledged by the Holy Spirit. Only He is the Son of God. “John the Baptist saw Jesus coming toward him and said, ‘Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world. He is the one of whom I said, A man is coming after me who ranks ahead of me because He existed before me’” (John 1:29-30).
Jesus Christ came among us to save us from sin that destroys life and leads to eternal death. The baptism that He offers transforms us because we are meant to be like Him. Each of us is called to be a true child of God. And each of us is given a mission – to spread the Good News to others so that they, too, will share in His eternal life. Indeed, the people who wrote our readings for today, Isaiah, Paul, John the Evangelist, as well as John the Baptist, were all commissioned in a special way to fulfill the will of God and introduce our Savior to the world. Through all we say and do, we have the opportunity of helping others encounter Christ. Every person, every soul is uniquely created by God to be His precious adopted son or daughter. And it is a great gift for us to be able to share this everlasting love with others.
Suggested missionary action: Let us pray that our Lord help us willingly and joyfully accept all that He asks us to do. This should be part of our daily life of service to Him. Each word and action done in love for God and His people builds the Kingdom of Heaven.