The Second Sunday in Ordinary Time
“Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world” (Jn 1: 29). These words of John the Baptist can be considered as prophetic words. Jesus truly is the one who came to prepare the way of the Lord because Jesus is the sacrificial lamb for us to be cleansed from our sins. Jesus is unlike the sacrificial lambs sacrificed by the temple priests for the atonement of sins, because He Himself is both the offerer and the offering. He made a sacrifice once and for all for the forgiveness of everyone.
We hear the priest say such words of John the Baptist in the communion part of the Eucharistic celebration. Then the congregation responds with the words, “Lord, I am not worthy to receive you under my roof, but only say the words and my soul shall be healed.” Truly, we are not worthy to receive such a great act of mercy from the Lord. Yet, through His words and deeds, we are good to receive such saving grace, especially when we are in a state of grace.
St. Peter Julian Eymard once said, “There is Jesus in the Eucharist! Everybody to Him!” When the priest says, “Behold the Lamb of God,” and the people respond with “I am not worthy…” in preparation for Communion, it is a subtle acknowledgment that Jesus is present in the Eucharist. So, as John the Baptist pointed the people towards Jesus to be saved, we come to communion to receive the Lord for the healing of our souls and for our salvation. More so, we also go to Jesus and adore Him before the Blessed Sacrament. Before our very eyes of faith, we look upon the unblemished Lamb of God, present in the Sacred Host, and ask for His divine assistance that we too can become holy and pleasing in His sight.
A blessed week to all.
Fr. Leo Ayuyao, SSS
