This weekend we celebrate the Second Sunday of Ordinary Time. In our Church Liturgical Calendar we begin the Season of Ordinary Time. There is nothing ordinary ever in Church Liturgy. Sunday celebrations identify us as a Christian Community. We gather together to remember that Sunday, the first day of the week, was the day the Lord was raised up and creation was at last completed. Sundays are set aside as days of worship and play. It is an opportunity to spend time with family and friends and reflect about God’s gifts to us in everyday life. Sundays give us the change to demonstrate our faith and belief in Jesus as Lord and Savior.
In our first reading from Isaiah we are called as servants and then sent forth to do the work of the Lord. “I will make you a light to the nations, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.” This message is for all people, both Jew and Gentile alike. God will welcome all with grace, salvation and justice. We are chosen and called to submit our lives to God’s will.
St. Paul writes to the Corinthians in praise of their efforts as a community to give witness, at least at their early stages of faith. Unfortunately the people have splintered into rival groups. Paul reminds them of their early dedication and shows them ways to correct their disorders and division. Paul offers the people the love of Jesus as the greatest example of how we are to respond to each other. Paul reminds them that the Spirit is the source of all gifts, and to set aside rivalry, false worship, and idolatry. Paul offers grace, peace, and thanksgiving to the community in Corinth.
In today’s Gospel John the Baptist proclaims and testifies that Jesus is the Son of God. “Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world.” John states that he is not even worthy to untie the sandal straps on his feet. Jesus is the light that came to shine in the darkness of people’s lives. John testifies that he saw the Spirit come down on Jesus. Jesus will submit to the Father’s will and sacrifice his life for all of humanity.
May we too respond as Jesus. “Here I am Lord, I come to do Your will.”
