From the responsorial psalm: “Sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done wondrous deeds; His right hand has won victory for him, his holy arm. All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.”
A reading from the holy Gospel according to John (John 1:29-34)
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.”
John the Baptist identifies Jesus as the Lamb of God. At his appearance, John states the mission and identity of Jesus so that he is made known to Israel, and as John testifies, that he is proclaimed as the Son of God. Although a cousin to Jesus, John says “I did not know him.” Trusting God, the one who sent him, John recognizes Jesus not from human senses but from divine revelation as the Holy Spirit descends and remains on Jesus. We hear the words of John during the Invitation to Communion as the priest elevates the Body and Blood of Christ, saying, “Behold the Lamb of God, behold him who takes away the sins of the world.” In that moment at every Mass, we recognize as John did that the Son of God is present before us to behold.
God, help me deepen my understanding of the Eucharist. It is Jesus present in the appearance of bread and wine, the Lamb of God, whom you sent to take away the sins of the world. “Blessed are those,” the priest says at Mass as he holds up the host and chalice. “Blessed are those called to the supper of the Lamb.” Sent for me and sent for all, the Lamb is the ultimate sacrifice for sin and the way of salvation. Lord, when I think about the struggles of this life and what I can hope in and depend on, help me remember the words from the Gospel acclamation as I call to mind that hope is the person of Christ: “The Word of God became flesh and dwelt among us.”
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.