Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

“Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” 

 

Gospel Reading: John 1:29-34

 

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.' I did not know him, but the reason why I came baptizing with water was that he might be made known to Israel." John testified further, saying, "I saw the Spirit come down like a dove from the sky and remain upon him. I did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, 'On whomever you see the Spirit come down and remain, he is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.' Now I have seen and testified that he is the Son of God."

 

In today’s Gospel reading, John the Baptist heralds us to "Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.” He gives witness to Christ and his divinity. John refers to Jesus as the Lamb of God, the Lamb of the Passover; the Lamb that will deliver us from the evil of our sins.  John is the witness of the Holy Spirit who descended upon Jesus and remains with him.  John testifies that he did not know Jesus, but realizes who Jesus is after he sees the Holy Spirit descend upon him.  We too should recognize Jesus as the Lamb of God, the one who takes away the sins of the world.  We are called to be a witness to the Holy Spirit and allow it to take over our lives.  It is through the Holy Spirit that Christ is revealed to us.  Once the Holy Spirit becomes active in our life, it is hard to deny his existence.

 

Pope Francis tells a story of a man who work for his Diocese for more than 30 years.  Every time the man began a task, he stated the name of Jesus.  Pope Francis asked him why he said that before he started work.  The man replied that the name of Jesus gave him power to do his work.  Francis said that the man was not a theologian, but only had to reply upon the power he gain through his Baptism and the Holy Spirit.  We must “Behold the Lam of God” and trust in him to carry us no matter what we do.  This same Holy Spirit revealed the Christ to John the Baptist through the power of Baptism.  We need to learn to trust in God and to let him rule our day.

 

A Simple Prayer:

 

Lord, fill me with the Holy Spirit so that I may grow to know you.

Take over my life because it is all I have to give you.

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon