HOMILY FOR THE 3RD OF JANUARY

Homily for the 3rd of January 

(The Most Holy Name of Jesus)

1 John 2:29-3:6;Jn.1:29-34

Dearest brothers and sisters in Christ, in the Gospel reading God today, we hear those beautiful words of John the Baptist declaring the identity of Jesus: “Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.” John 1:29. These familiar words of John the Baptist offer us a beautiful meditation. They are spoken every time we attend Mass when the priest holds up the Sacred Host.

When John first spoke these words, the “Lamb of God,” was seen in a very ordinary way. The eyes of all present saw only an ordinary man approaching the scene.

But the eyes of faith saw, rather, he who would give his life for the salvation of the world as the Sacrificial Lamb. When we look at the Sacred Host, as it is held up at Mass for all to see, we see Jesus, the Sacrificial Lamb, in an even more veiled way.

We see, with our eyes, a piece of bread. But with the eyes of faith, we behold the Savior. The Sacrificial Lamb of God is continually coming to us throughout our day. He is all around us, coming to us in veiled form, revealing himself in faith.

 Do you see him? How is it that you are being called, this day, to behold his divine and sacrificial presence? How is he present in acts of selfless charity? How does he come to you each day and how does he desire you to bring him to others each day? 

Reflecting upon these sacred words: “Behold the Lamb of God,” we are to seek Jesus out, expecting his divine presence available to us. We are to discover him with the eyes of faith and rejoice as he draws near to us every day in our daily lives and dealings with others. 

Jesus, we behold your divine presence today and every day. As we seek you and love you, give us the eyes of faith to discover your real but hidden presence at all times, Amen.

God bless you all