A reading from the holy Gospel according to John (Jn 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.”
When John the Baptist sees Jesus coming toward him, he says, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.” Twice John says “I did not know him” and that God sent him to baptize with this mission: “On whomever you see the Spirit come down and remain, he is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.” Twice John says that he would recognize Jesus because the Holy Spirit would descend on him and remain upon him. In the same way, we know we remain in God when we do not sin. As Saint John the evangelist says in the first reading: “You know that he was revealed to take away sins, and in him there is no sin. No one who remains in him sins; no one who sins has seen him or known him.”
God, help me remain in you today. Guide me in recognizing Jesus your Son as he approaches. Send your Spirit upon me so that I remain in you and recognize you. “No one who sins has seen him or known him.” Free from sin as long as I remain in you, I ask for the the grace today to see you and know you. Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world. Have mercy on us.
From the Gospel acclamation: “The Word of God became flesh and dwelt among us. To those who accepted him he gave power to become the children of God.”
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.