Called to be the Light to the Nations

Second Sunday in Ordinary Time: January 15, 2023

Readings: Isaiah 49:3, 5–6; Psalm 40:2, 4, 7–10; 1 Corinthians 1:1–3; John 1:29–34

To listen to my audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/Qg4J-YyWgKk

Autonomy seems to be what is selling today! It means that we are particular about our knowledge, freedom, desires, wants, wishes, and such other things. That must be the reason why so many would like to live independently in their homes and houses often alone. Living in a larger family or in a religious community is becoming cumbersome and difficult. However, the liturgical readings of today tell us something contrary to what we hold dear to our modern-day lifestyle. As we make our journey of life into the ordinary days of the year, the Church invites us to imitate our Lord who valued family and community life. He made himself available to others and their well-being. Lord Jesus calls us to be his followers, to love and serve others in his name.

1. Called to be the light to the nations 

Prophet Isaiah 49:3-6 speaks of a servant of God who will be a light to the nations and bring salvation to the ends of the earth. In Christian theology, this servant is understood to be Jesus. He is often referred to as the "Light of the World" in the New Testament, and is said to have come to bring salvation and enlightenment to all people, regardless of their race or ethnicity. The idea of Jesus as the light to the nations suggests that through faith in him, people can find spiritual guidance and direction, and that his message has the power to transform lives and bring people closer to God. This concept is often reflected in Christian teachings and practices, such as the sacraments, prayer, and acts of mercy and service to others.

For Prophet Isaiah, God has chosen the servant before the foundation of the world, and has formed him to be a light to the nations. That means Jesus' mission and purpose were predetermined by God and that his role as the savior of humanity was part of God's integral plan, in fact, a divine plan, from the very beginning. The servant will not be discouraged or disheartened by the smallness of his strength, as the Lord will help him and sustain him. In other words, it is a reflection of Jesus' faith in God and his willingness to trust in his Father's for his life, even in the face of opposition and persecution. It is a message to all Christians to share the message of Jesus and the Good News of salvation with others, and to be a light to the nations themselves.

2. God's Word is no illusion

The passage John 1:29–34 describes the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist and the testimony of John regarding the identity of Jesus. Here we see the nature and mission of Jesus. John 1:29–34 paints a powerful picture of Jesus as the Lamb of God, the Son of God, and the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.  "He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain, this is he who baptizes with the Holy Spirit. And I have seen and have borne witness that this is the Son of God” (John 1: 33-34). In verse 29, John the Baptist declares that Jesus is the "Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world." This statement emphasizes Jesus' role as the savior of humanity and the one who would bear the sins of humanity on the cross.

In verse 32, John the Baptist testifies that he saw the Spirit descending upon Jesus like a dove, and that he knows Jesus is the Son of God. This event is seen as a manifestation of Jesus' divine nature and a validation of his messianic mission. In verse 34, John the Baptist affirms that Jesus is the Son of God, and that he is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit. This statement highlights Jesus' authority and power as Christ, and his role in bringing about the new covenant through the gift of the Holy Spirit. In fact, it reminds of Jesus' sacrifice on the cross and the power of his resurrection and can inspire Christians to reflect on their own faith and to consider how they can follow Jesus' example and fulfill their own role in God's plan. 

3. God's Reign is beyond our imagination

The concept of God's Kingdom or the Reign of God is a central theme in Christianity and is often described as being beyond human understanding or imagination. The Reign of God could be described as a realm where God reigns supreme and where His will is done on earth as it is in heaven. It is a place of peace, righteousness, and eternal life. It is beyond our scope and scale. The Bible speaks of the Kingdom of God as something that encompasses the entire universe, and that will one day be fully realized in all its glory. This means that it is something that is far beyond anything that we can fully comprehend or imagine in our limited human minds.

Another way that the kingdom of God is beyond our imagination is in its nature. The Bible speaks of the kingdom of God as something that is both present and coming, and that it is both spiritual and physical. This means that the kingdom of God is not just something that will be realized in the future, but is also something that can be experienced in the present, through faith in Jesus Christ. The idea of God's Reign is a powerful reminder that our understanding of the world and our place in it is limited, and that there is a realm beyond our imagination where God reigns supreme. It encourages us to trust in God's plan and to open ourselves to the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives, so that we can participate in the Reign of God and be transformed by it. Therefore, as Christians, we must follow Jesus' example to bring light to the world through our faith and actions.

4. Called to be Holy

We are in the ordinary times of the liturgical year having celebrated the festivities surrounding the birth of Jesus. The readings these days have been focused on Jesus' public ministry among the ordinary people of his times. Writing to Corinthians 1:1-3, St Paul calls us to be holy. The verse 1:2 "to the Church of God that is in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be holy, together with all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ—their Lord and ours" highlights the importance of holiness in the Christian faith. We are all set apart for God and to live a life in accordance with His will.

Being holy is not only about avoiding sin but also about actively pursuing righteousness and growing in the likeness of Christ. This call to holiness is not just for a select few but for all Christians everywhere, regardless of their background or circumstances. This call to holiness is possible only through the sanctification of Christ Jesus. Hence the importance of the grace of God in our lives is very essential so too our role to be apostles in spreading the message of Jesus Christ. In fact, we are called to live differently, to be different from the world, and to reflect the character of Christ in all that we do. In other words, we are not only set apart for God but also to actively pursue holiness in this messy world. 

Questions for reflections:

1. How am I called to follow the Lamb of God in my life?
2. What is that fascinates me when I think about Jesus?
3. How do I like to behave in this world having myself offered to the Lord Jesus through Baptism?

Prayer:

Dear Lord, we come before you today in humility and supplication. We wait patiently for your guidance and strength, knowing that you are the one who lifts us up from the pits of despair. We cry out to you, asking for your help in our troubles. We confess our need for our salvation, and we trust in your faithfulness to hear our cries for help. Help us to keep our eyes fixed on you, and to walk firmly on the path you have set for us.

We praise you for your steadfast love and for the new songs of joy that you put in our hearts. We ask that you would be with us always, and that many would see the work of your hand in our lives and come to trust in you. We pray this in Jesus' Holy name, Amen.

- Olvin Veigas, SJ

January 13, 2023