Daily Gospel Reflection for January 3, 2024

Join us as we reflect, ponder, and pray together inspired by today's Gospel.

Today's Gospel: John 1:29-34

John the Baptist identified Jesus as an unborn child, leaping in his mother’s womb. As an adult, John had seen the Spirit come down from heaven and remain on Jesus. And God had told him that this would be the One who would baptize with the Holy Spirit. Thus, John proclaims publicly,

“Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.” John 1:30

Jesus Himself considered John the greatest prophet. “I tell you, among those born of women, no one is greater than John.” (Luke 7:28) And here is this prophet declaring Jesus the Lamb of God, thus evoking the Jewish concept of sacrifice.

John is testifying as a witness. When a mother realizes that two children are having a dispute in a room where there are three children, doesn’t she ask the third child, the witness, what exactly happened? Even our legal system relies heavily on witness testimony. Witnesses clarify the truth.

The great prophet, John the Baptist, is a witness to the action and message of the Holy Spirit. He identifies Jesus as the one coming after him, who ranks ahead of him, the One whose way he was preparing. This prophet of great courage is also a man of great humility.

How astonished his listeners must have been! Jesus is the sacrificial Lamb of God, this man coming towards John who he says ranks above him? John’s authority and his declaration of Jesus’ identity must have shocked them. But he is filled with the Holy Spirit. The great prophet has identified the Son of God.

Ponder:

How can we in our own lives, in the spirit of John the Baptist, continue to testify to the world that Jesus is the Son of God?

Pray:

Oh Jesus, please help us to be attentive to the Holy Spirit, courageously proclaiming the truth that You are the sacrificial Lamb of God.

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The great prophet has identified the Son of God. #DailyGospel

Copyright 2024 Rosemary Bogdan