A TESTIMONY ON THE GREATNESS OF CHRIST - 1/15/23 (Second Sunday in Ordinary Time)

John 1:29

John the Baptist saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.”  

For the full readings, click here: 

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/011523.cfm

Blessed Sunday! Many people came to be baptized by St. John the Baptist while at the same time, there were also many people who was mistaken in thinking that he was the Messiah. In the minds of many during their time, the Messiah would be great in a worldly manner. The Messiah would be like a king with strong military power. St. John the Baptist humbled himself in telling the truth that he was not the Christ. On the next day, he saw our Lord Jesus, and he said, "Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world." He did not just make a testimony of the role of Jesus as the prophesied Messiah. St. John the Baptist also revealed the greatness of Christ because of being the Lamb of God. This title foreshadowed the sacrifice of Christ on the Cross just as how the lamb in Israel was sacrificed in atonement for the sins of people. If we look at it, from a worldly perspective, sacrifices can't be standard for greatness. In the mindset of some people, sufferings are signs of weaknesses while money, power, ambition and achievements are signs of strength. And yet, God has transformed His sufferings into a sacrifice that has shown His greatness. God the Son humbled Himself to be like one of us and through the worst suffering He endured, the cross became an instrument for the greatest gift to humanity, our salvation. 

St. John the Baptist made such strong testimony in his words as written in the gospel reading. Today, we are all given an opportunity by Christ to make a testimony, not of our greatness, but of His greatness. And, this shouldn't be limited to our words. It's good that we can share to other people our faith in Christ. At the same time, a better testimony that we can give about Jesus is through our actions when we bear our own crosses in life. We experience numerous trials, and during these times, God desires that we may find comfort in Him by constantly begging for His strength as we encounter such problems. Also, we can unite our sufferings with the sacrifice of Christ in such a way that our sufferings can be an instrument for conversion of sinners. This is what the Church teaches about "redemptive suffering." When we bear the sufferings in life with patience, it can help other people, even those whom we may not know, because we are united in Jesus. Let's express our faith in Christ in our words and deeds, especially in our sacrifices. Let's not forget to turn to God in prayer for perseverance, and as we bear many sufferings in life, we can also pray, "Lord, I am offering these sacrifices to You out of love for You and for conversion of sinners." Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, hears our prayers, and He will bring peace in our lives. 

Amen +

Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, be with us always until the hour of our death. Amen. +

May the Lord + bless us, protect us from all evil and bring us to everlasting life. Amen. +  

Reflection by: Dominic

Examination of Conscience and Guide to Sacrament of Confession:

https://mycatholic.life/catholic-prayers/examination-of-conscience/

Ultimate Catholic Parents Guide:

https://youtube.com/watch?v=Ls6IcexZAls

Summary and Defense of Catholic Teachings:

https://www.catholic.com/tract/pillar-of-fire-pillar-of-truth