2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time — Behold the Lamb of God Who Reveals Our Calling

 


Theme: Recognizing Jesus in the Ordinary (John 1:29–34)

Ordinary Time invites us into the quiet, steady rhythm where discipleship matures. The feasts have passed, yet the Lord continues to reveal Himself in the simple, unadorned moments of daily life. Into this calm, John the Baptist’s proclamation resounds with clarity:

“Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.”
(John 1:29, NABRE)

John testifies that he saw the Spirit descend and remain upon Jesus:

“On whomever you see the Spirit come down and remain, he is the one who will baptize with the holy Spirit.”
(John 1:33, NABRE)

St. Augustine teaches that John’s witness is the model for every Christian: “John is the voice, but the Lord is the Word. The voice points to the Word so that hearts may be awakened.”

The Catechism echoes this truth, reminding us that Christ’s baptism inaugurates His mission and reveals Him as the One who gives the Spirit (CCC 536).

This section establishes the foundation: Jesus is revealed, and we are invited to recognize Him in the ordinary.

The Lamb Who Takes Away Sin (Isaiah 49:3, 5–6)

Isaiah announces the Servant who will restore Israel and shine as a light for all nations:

“You are my servant, Israel, through whom I show my glory.”
(Isaiah 49:3, NABRE)
“I will make you a light to the nations, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.”
(Isaiah 49:6, NABRE)

John recognizes that this Servant stands before him. When he calls Jesus “the Lamb of God,” he reveals the One who offers Himself in love, who gathers the lost, and who heals the broken.

St. Cyril of Alexandria writes: “He is called the Lamb because He is gentle and because He takes upon Himself the sins of the world.”

The Catechism deepens this understanding: “Christ’s whole life expresses His mission: to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many.” (CCC 608)

Pope Benedict XVI reflected that Jesus is the Lamb who transforms violence into love and death into life.

This section clarifies who Jesus is — the Lamb — so the reader can later behold Him with understanding.

Called to See and to Witness (Psalm 40)

Psalm 40 gives voice to the heart of a disciple ready to respond to God’s call:

“Here I am; your commands are written upon my heart.”
(Psalm 40:8, NABRE)
“To do your will, O my God, is my delight.”
(Psalm 40:9, NABRE)

This is the posture of John the Baptist — and the posture to which every Christian is called. St. Gregory the Great reminds us: “The proof of love is found in works.”

The Catechism teaches that every baptized person is called to be a witness of Christ’s truth and charity (CCC 2472).

Pope Francis speaks of the “holiness of the everyday,” reminding us that God sanctifies the ordinary when we offer it with love.

This section shifts the focus from who Jesus is to who we must become — witnesses who respond with “Here I am.”

Grace for All Peoples (1 Corinthians 1:1–3)

Paul opens his letter by reminding the Corinthians — and us — of who we are in Christ:

“To you who have been sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be holy.”
(1 Corinthians 1:2, NABRE)
“Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”
(1 Corinthians 1:3, NABRE)

St. John Chrysostom writes: “Paul calls all the faithful ‘saints,’ not because they are perfect, but because they are set apart for God.”

The Catechism affirms the universal call to holiness (CCC 2013–2014).

Pope St. John Paul II emphasized that grace is a living power that strengthens us in our ordinary struggles and joys.

This section prepares the reader to understand that discipleship is possible only through grace — a key step toward the conclusion.

Come and See (John 1:35–42)

John’s testimony leads his disciples to Jesus, and Jesus invites them with words that echo through every age:

“Come, and you will see.”
(John 1:39, NABRE)

St. Augustine reflects: “They came and saw where He was staying, and they stayed with Him. What a blessed day they spent with the Lord!”

The Catechism teaches that Christ invites every person to communion with Him (CCC 2567).

Pope Benedict XVI often said that Christianity begins with an encounter — a meeting with the living Christ.

Jesus invites us to come and see Him in Scripture, in the Eucharist, in the people around us, and in the quiet moments of our day.

This section brings the reader to the threshold of the conclusion: discipleship is an encounter with the Lamb.

Conclusion: Ordinary Time Is Where Discipleship Grows

The 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time teaches us that holiness is found in the steady, faithful gaze that recognizes Jesus in the ordinary. John points and says:

“Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.”
(John 1:29, NABRE)

The Church echoes this proclamation at every Mass. St. John Paul II said that the Eucharistic “Behold the Lamb of God” is the moment where heaven touches earth and discipleship is renewed.

Everything in this reflection leads us here:
to recognize Him,
to respond to Him,
to encounter Him,
and finally — to behold the Lamb of God who walks with us through every ordinary moment.

Location: Hollywood, FL 33025, USA

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