January 19, 2014: Second Sunday in Ordinary Time

John the Baptist saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world. He is the one of whom I said, ‘A man is coming after me who ranks ahead of me because he existed before me.’ I did not know him, but the reason why I came baptizing with water was that he might be made known to Israel.” John testified further, saying, “I saw the Spirit come down like a dove from heaven and remain upon him. I did not know him, but 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.’ Now I have seen and testified that he is the Son of God.” John 1:29-34

Reflection

Hebrews 11:1 says, “Faith is the realization of what is hoped for and evidence of things not seen.” We hear about something and it can almost seem too good to be true. However, if we’re able to see something or hold it in our hands, it’s much easier to believe that something exists. When John began his ministry, some people thought he was the Messiah but he instead told them about Jesus. When John saw Jesus in person, he was able to again draw their attention to him, as physical proof of what he had been preaching.

Action

Can you think of a time when you were told something that was hard to believe? And, then it came to pass or you were shown proof, and you believed? As Christians, we have our Church community, the Bible and prayer, and the Church’s long-standing tradition to help point us toward the truth. Listen with your heart and mind and have faith, until such a time as you can see God face-to-face.