_(Sunday 19th January 2020. Read Isaiah 49:3-6,
Psalm 40, 1 Corinthians 1:1-3 and John 1:29-34)_
_“The next
day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, "Behold, the Lamb of God,
who takes away the sin of the world!” *(John 1:29)*_
Last Sunday,
we celebrated the Feast of the Baptism of Jesus Christ which officially brought
the Christmas festivities to an end and ushered us into the season of Ordinary
Time; the season of green (colour of vegetation and growth); the season of Spiritual
Growth. Today, being the Second Sunday of Ordinary Time, our readings basically
define for us our primary mission (our basic calling) as Christians which is to
be “Lights to the world.”
While the
Prophet Isaiah speaks of the entire nation of Israel as the light to the
nations, Paul tacitly reminds the Corinthians that they are called to be saints
(which is another way of describing their role as lights in the world). Our
Gospel passage today presents John the Baptist as a practical example of what
it means to be a light. By his lifestyle, John the Baptist attracted thousands
to repent from their sins, he was a man of truth and was never afraid of saying
it as it is and at the height of his popularity, John diverted all that attention
to Jesus.
The
question before us today is: “How can I fulfil my calling as light to the
nations like John the Baptist?” To answer this question, we shall try to highlight
some lessons contained in our readings today.
*1. Be
Committed to Nation Building.*
In our
first reading today, God speaks to the entire nation of Israel: “You are my
servant Israel in whom I will be glorified.” Dear friends, rather than our continuous
complaints against our leaders (and politicians), the question we should be
asking ourselves is “what exactly am I doing in my own little way to make my country
the pride of the nations?” There are so many problems we face as a nation, why
not pick out one and devote your life to solving it? If your only concern is
how to make money or how to live big, you are no better than those in government
whom you condemn.
*2. Aspire
for Sainthood.*
Many
Christians today have practically given up on themselves and on their childhood
fascinations of sainthood. Thus, you hear statements of self-defeat such as _“body
no be firewood, after all, no be me kill Jesus”_ indicating that there is no
need to strive for perfection. Paul reminds us today that we are called to be
saints. What is the essence of being a Christian if at the end of this life, we
fail to make heaven (become saints)? Isn’t it better that we are not Christians
at all? A mediocre (average) Christian is just as good as a non-Christian and
sadly there are now too many of us who settle for average; we are neither hot
nor cold.
Who is a Saint?
A Saint is not only someone who has been canonized by the church, a saint is
not only someone who has died, a saint is whose life can be said to be an
inspiration. A saint is an example, a role model, a light. In his Sermon on the
Mount, Jesus told us: “You are the light of the world… let your light shine
before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father
in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16)
Stop trying
to be like others; dare to be different. You don’t have to do evil because it
is popular, you may assume “everybody is doing it” but this is the greatest lie
of the devil. Everybody is not doing it, no matter how bad things are, there
are still some living saints among us, there are still people who are righteous
and are prepared to die than commit sin. Within the same portion where Paul
says we are called to be saints, he also added: “sanctified in Christ Jesus.”
Without personal sanctification, we cannot be saints. To shine, we must reflect
light from above, we must be connected to a source. Jesus would say: “Cut off
from me, you can do nothing.” (John 15:5).
*3. Introduce
Jesus Christ to Everyone You Meet.*
John the
Baptist pointed Jesus to the crowds that followed him. “Behold, the Lamb of
God, who takes away the sin of the world! This is he of whom I said, ‘After me
comes a man who ranks before me, for he was before me.’”(John 1:29-30). How
often do you speak about Jesus in your daily interactions with people? The
principle of John the Baptist was to reduce so that Jesus can increase. Do you
try to make Jesus popular? Are you committed to making disciples for Christ? Coincidentally,
this is our mission statement as Christians to “Go into all the world and
preach the gospel to the whole creation.” (Mark 16:15).
Christianity
suffered a great blow in this country when the emphasis shifted from winning
souls (the message of repentance) to prosperity. Christianity has become sadly opium, a medicine that makes you feel good while your sickness worsens. Don’t
be deceived, “for the kingdom of God is not food and drink but righteousness
and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit” (Romans 14:17). If you must be a light,
then let everything about you talk about Jesus.
*4. Be a
Lamb, not a Lion.*
By
referring to Jesus as the Lamb of God, John was already pointing our minds to
the death of Jesus on the cross for the salvation of the world. Jesus himself
would say: “The Son of man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his
life as a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:28) There is more joy in giving than in
receiving. It is better to serve others than to lord it over them. Be willing to
make sacrifices for the benefit of others. Be a person of peace. “If anyone
strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also; and if anyone would
sue you and take your coat, let him have your cloak as well; and if anyone
forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles.” (Matthew 5:39-41)
*Conclusion*
Have you
ever tried to start a conversation about Jesus with someone only to find
yourself speechless? It means you do not know Jesus or you have too much junk
in you because “out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks.” (Matthew
12:24, Luke 6:45). What is abundant in your heart? Have you read the entire
Bible on your own? If Yes, then it is time to read it again. Aim for perfection.
It is better not to be a Christian than to be an average Christian.
Let us pray:
Lord Jesus, may I become another John the Baptist by the way I live. Amen.
Happy
Sunday. Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. (Second Sunday
in Ordinary Time, Year A. Bible Study: Isaiah 49:3-6, Psalm 40, 1 Corinthians 1:1-3
and John 1:29-34).
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