Daily Gospel Reflection for January 19, 2014

Today's Gospel: John 1:29-34

“Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world”.  What incredible words uttered in John’s Gospel.

We hear these words every time we partake in the Holy Eucharist.  The priest holds up the two species, united (called the epiclesis) and we are called to the Supper of the Lamb, of Our Savior.  You!  Me! How blessed we are, as Catholics, to partake in the Eucharistic feast.  To be united body and soul to Our Savior, in His sacrifice for us.  At the Last Supper He gave us “true food” for the journey.  I don’t know about you, but I need everything that Our Lord can possibly give me for this path to holiness.

St. John the Baptist calls us to the Lamb of God in this passage.  He proclaims to all that the Messiah has come, that salvation is at hand.

He does two things here.  First, he tells the crowds that he is not the Messiah.  Second, He testifies that Jesus is the Son of God, the long-awaited Messiah of the Jewish people, of the world.

What does this mean for our daily lives?  It means that we should be proclaiming Jesus Christ to all.  First and foremost we should be sharing Him with our families.  Whether it be in serving our spouses and children, leading the family in prayer, attending Mass regularly, learning more about our beautiful Faith, or serving others as a family.

We are each called to live as examples of Christ.  In doing so, we show the world that our salvation has come, that we are truly freed from sin and death.  In living as godly families we are an example to a fallen world.  We show the world what it is to love as He loves.  We show the world that there is another way.

The next time you are at Mass, think about how Jesus Christ is truly present.  How He gave himself for us.  That he is the Lamb of God, who wants to strengthen us for the journey.  He wants us to be united to Him.  He wants each one of us to become saints.  That is the meaning of life.  We too must testify to the world that He is the Son of God.  We must live as He has called us and share the Good News with all peoples.

Ponder:

How are you showing the world Jesus Christ?  How do you love as He loves in your family?

Pray:

Father, please help me to better show you to the world.  Use me as an instrument, to bring others home to you.  Help me to always be grateful for your Real Presence in the Eucharist.  Mary, Mother of God, pray that I may live the mission given to me by your Son.

Copyright 2014 Constance Hull