The first reading today, taken from a part of Isaiah, stands as a reminder to us that it is not a strange reality for human beings to find themselves like the Jewish community of the 4th and 5th century when Isaiah wrote these words. The prophet reminds his readers that the Jewish people had grown weary. All their successes had been lost. Victorious kings had ruined their lives. But Isaiah reminds them of the power of one who would come and bring freedom and new life ... not in their lifetime but clearly in the lives of those who would follow in their footsteps. He reminds them of their need for repentance so that the one to come, the savior to be born, would bring them redemption.
In the gospel reading we switch ahead to the time of Jesus and after his death. The gospel reminds the hearers and readers of the work of John the Baptist. What is key are the words "Behold the lamb of God ...." When Jesus went to the river to be baptized by John, we have an opportunity to see that Jesus wanted to get his work underway. Even though John and Jesus must have known one another, it is not as a relative, a cousin, the John speaks to Jesus. He proclaims that this young man is the one. Yes, he is the man who has come to save the people.
For us today John's words, "Behold the lamb of God" is what we should consider. Because we speak these words so often -- each time we are present for the Eucharistic liturgy -- there meaning, their significance becomes worn down. However, imagine what you life might be if you had the understanding and consequent commitment to this man as the Son of God that John the Baptist had, life would be very different.
THe next time you say these words, "Behold the Lamb of God ..." watch how you react to them. Are they just words that you speak with the crowd? Are they words that remind you that the Son of God is very much a part of your life?
