Irondequoit Catholic Communities
2nd Sunday Ordinary Time

Celebrating 100 years

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Cycle A

A146: Why didn't John the Baptist recognize Jesus as the Messiah right away?

Today's gospel (John 1:29-41) is part of the Baptist's conversion story, and it parallels our own conversion stories. We are all familiar with both St. Matthew's and St. John's gospels, and the "stages" they describe that John the Baptist went through before he "recognized" Jesus as the Savior. Even from prison, the Baptist sent his followers to find out from Jesus if he really was the Chosen one. It seems that Jesus' actions in public ministry were surprising to the Baptist, and not quite what he had been expecting (e.g., see Matt 11:2-6).

For most of us, I think it is fair to state that our faith journey comes in "stages" or by degrees. Again, most of us are "cradle Christians" and our faith development reflects this necessary progression as we grow in wisdom. We encounter Jesus at least weekly in the Sunday liturgical setting (and hopefully in daily bible reading and study), and the more we meet Jesus, the more our faith progressively deepens.

Reflection: Like John the Baptist, my faith is a "work in progress" and needs time to deepen and grow through repeated encounters with Christ. In what ways have I taken steps to make sure that this necessary growth takes place? What one additional action can I take this week in response to the scripture readings today?

Q302: Why is there so much “witnessing” or testimony from John the Baptist in today’s gospel (Jn 1:29-34)?

Two things are going on here. First, John is making it as clear as possible to his followers that he is not the Messiah, the Savior who takes away the sin of the world. That function belongs only to Jesus the Christ. Secondly, his function is to point to Jesus, whom everyone in Israel is seeking. There is a great theme here: we are all Seekers, and we also need to be Pointers. An “inner discontent” lets us know that there is something “more” that we need -- and that “something” is a Some One.

We continue the pattern set during the Christmas-Epiphany season. A star pointed the way for the Magi to find Jesus. An Angel pointed the way to the shepherds to find Jesus. John the Baptist pointed out Jesus to two of his followers. Andrew pointed the way to Peter to find Jesus. Philip pointed the way for Nathanael. And so on.

Someone pointed the way for You and Me to find Jesus. Now it is our turn, to become an active witness to Jesus, showing others where to find Jesus. This is our baptismal responsibility; it is the natural response of our faith. Faith comes from hearing; will they hear about Jesus from you?

Know Your Catechism! The manifestation of the Son takes place progressively, and you are a vital link in that process (CCC #486). John the Baptist was sent to “point” us to Jesus, and now we inherit this same task (CCC #523). Announcing the Good News includes the need to reveal that he is the Lamb who will be sacrificed for the sin of the world (CCC#608), a truth that we cling to in faith, hope and love. Are you living out your life as both a Seeker and a Pointer?

Q. 459: If the “Suffering Servant” in today’s first reading (Is 49:3,5-6) is seen allegorically as talking about Jesus, how does it impact on my own life?

The first thing that jumps to mind is that we are true disciples, therefore we are called to imitate Jesus. So what do we find to imitate in these verses?

As usual, a wonderful verse is “skipped” in our reading, verse 4. That verse notes that all of the Servant’s efforts seemed to be useless, since he could see no results; nevertheless, he trusts in the Lord. What happens when you trust like that? The Lord will use you even more! The Servant in this Isaiah passage was working within his own family and religious group. The Lord says that isn’t enough! Even though you see no results, and are discouraged because of that, he’s going to expand your ministry, and send you to those outside of your closed circle!

But the message remains the same: we are called to spread the reality of Jesus the Messiah, and his message of love and mercy. Not just within our family circle, but in every forum that presents itself to us. Like John the Baptist in today’s Gospel (Jn 1:29-34), we “testify” to what we have seen and experienced. We become “God’s flashlights,” reflecting his light to every dark corner we encounter in life. We become “a light to the nations,” pointing the way to Jesus the Savior. This is how his salvation reaches every nook and cranny of our world. This is how disciples “imitate” Jesus – even in his suffering if that happens – by continuing to trust in the Lord, even though we see no results from our labors. Perhaps a loved one is not responding to the Lord’s call. Here is where you really learn to trust the Lord. Continue being that “reflected light” of Christ’s love and forgiveness, and trust that the Lord will bring good out of your efforts – on his own timetable, not yours.

KNOW YOUR CATECHISM! It is God’s strength, communicated to us by his Spirit of life, that enables us to “shine his light” to others (CCC #713). He needs each one of us to spread his truth about the “radical redemption” offered to all who believe and hope in him (CCC #64).


Page last modified on January 29, 2008, at 10:11 AM