The WORD in Other Words by Fr Lino Nicasio SVD (Philippines) for January 3
When we meet a person whose name we can’t remember, it becomes embarrassing and awkward when asked: “Do you remember me?” This is not the case in the Gospel where Saint John the Baptist at once recognized and announced to the public who Jesus was: “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.”
How did the Baptist fulfill his mission of preparing the way for Jesus. First he declared that Jesus, the Son of God, was far superior to him: “A man is coming after me who ranks ahead of me because he existed before me. . . Now I have seen and testified that he is the Son of God.” Second, John explained that the reason for his baptism ministry was to make the Messiah known as revealed to him by the Holy Spirit: “…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.’” On the basis of all this John hailed Jesus as the Son of God.
What does this mean for us? First, we need to recognize and accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, truly the Son of God. Second, we need to praise and thank Him for taking away our sin and that of the world through His Passion, Death and Resurrection. Third, we need to find out the mission God has tasked us with and do it. Finally, like John the Baptist, we need to point Jesus out to others by our word and deed (Christian lifestyle) so that others get to know Him: our loving Savior Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
