by: Deacon Paul Rooney (deaconpaul@cox.net)
Second Sunday, Ordinary “A”
(Cycle “A" – January 16, 2005)

Q. 302: Why is there so much “witnessing” or testimony from John the Baptist in today’s gospel (Jn 1:29-34)?

A. 302: Two things are going on here. First, John is making it as clear as possible to his followers that he is not the Messiah, the Savior who takes away the sin of the world. That function belongs only to Jesus the Christ. Secondly, his function is to point to Jesus, whom everyone in Israel is seeking. There is a great theme here: we are all Seekers, and we also need to be Pointers. An “inner discontent” lets us know that there is something “more” that we need -- and that “something” is a Some One.

We continue the pattern set during the Christmas-Epiphany season. A star pointed the way for the Magi to find Jesus. An Angel pointed the way to the shepherds to find Jesus. John the Baptist pointed out Jesus to two of his followers. Andrew pointed the way to Peter to find Jesus. Philip pointed the way for Nathanael. And so on.

Someone pointed the way for You and Me to find Jesus. Now it is our turn, to become an active witness to Jesus, showing others where to find Jesus. This is our baptismal responsibility; it is the natural response of our faith. Faith comes from hearing; will they hear about Jesus from you?

Know Your Catechism! The manifestation of the Son takes place progressively, and you are a vital link in that process (CCC #486). John the Baptist was sent to “point” us to Jesus, and now we inherit this same task (CCC #523). Announcing the Good News includes the need to reveal that he is the Lamb who will be sacrificed for the sin of the world (CCC#608), a truth that we cling to in faith, hope and love. Are you living out your life as both a Seeker and a Pointer?

Deacon Paul Rooney
Mary Our Queen Parish, Omaha