Lamb of God who Takes away the Sins of the World

Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.  Happy are those who, accepting his invitation, enter into communion with him.

Once again, John the Baptist announces that Jesus is the Lamb of God.  Because of this second announcement, two disciples of John take interest in Jesus and they follow him.  Later, they have communion with him.

The image of the lamb sends us back to the lamb that the Hebrews slaughter and eat the night of their departure from Egypt.  They sprinkle the blood of the lamb on the lintel and doorpost of their houses.  And the blood is a mark, so that the Lord may save them from the destructive plague.

The same image refers also the Servant who submits, though harshly treated, and opens not his mouth.  He is silent like a lamb led to the slaughter.

So then, there is indication that salvation really lies in Jesus.  He embodies freedom.  He is the Suffering Servant who justifies many because he bears their guilt.  Surrendering himself to death and counting himself among the wicked, Jesus takes away the sins of many.  And he wins forgiveness for their sins.

There is indication likewise of what it means to follow the Lamb and become intimate with him.

After hearing the invitation, “Come, and you will see,” the two disciples of John go and see where Jesus is staying.  And they stay with him, which happens at about four in the afternoon.  This is the same hour when, on the first evening of the Passover, lambs for the Passover meal are sacrificed.

There is suggestion, then, that Christian discipleship leads to the cross.  It is sharing in the sacrifice of Christ, our paschal lamb—they do not break any of his bones (Jn 19, 36; Ex 12, 46).  The cross is where Jesus stays and where we Christians know him intimately.  There is no better place where we can be, then, than at the foot of the cross (SV.EN I:155).

And happy are those who attain communion with Christ, those who become one Spirit with him.  They get to know a new life of justice and mercy that is fuller and worthier of human beings.  They change in such a way that they get new names.  And they spread the word they hear and, in that way, they help others get better.

Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us and give us peace.

14 January 2018
2nd Sunday in O.T (B)
1 Sam 3, 3b-10. 19; 1 Cor 6, 13c-15a. 17-20; Jn 1, 35-42