Here I Am Lord! I Come To Do Your Will

Readings: 1st: Is 49:3. 5-6; Ps 39: 2.4. 7-10; 2nd: I Cor 1:1-3; Gos: Jn 1:29-34

This brief reflection was written by Rev. Fr. Njoku Canice Chukwuemeka, C.S.Sp. He is a Catholic Priest and a Member of the Congregation of the Holy Ghost Fathers and Brothers (Spiritans). He is currently working with the Spiritan International Group of Puerto Rico &  Dominican Republic. He is the Administrator of Parroquia La Resurrección del Senor, Canovanas and the Chancellor of the Diocesis of Fajardo-Humacao, Puerto Rico. For more details and comments contact him on: canice_c_njoku@yahoo.com, cancilleriadfh@gmail.com, canicechukwuemeka@gmail.com.

Today is the second Sunday of Ordinary Time, Year A. This Sunday, the Church presents to us through the prophetic insights of Isaiah and John the Baptist, the: “Agnus Dei, qui tollit peccata mundi (Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world).” One very remarkable lesson that the Church wants us to learn from this Sunday’s readings and reflection is that, the Lamb of God was more than a “mere servant.” He is a son who obediently, fulfilled the will of the Father.

In the first reading from Isaiah, God honored his servant, and sealed this honor with a promise and mission: “I will make you a light to the nations.” The purpose for this promise is: “So that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth!” There are three basic suppositions about this promise and mission of God to his servant. The first is that, His servant is a trusted one. Second, he has accepted the Lord’s message and salvation. Third, this servant will not keep this salvation to himself. Rather, he will take it to others.

In the second reading, Paul affirms his call to be an apostle. He equally proves that he obediently did God’s will. Also, he highlights another very important element of doing God’s will. That is, living a saintly life. One of the greatest missions entrusted to us on earth is to live holy lives. By so doing, we speak more volumes to those we are called to evangelize. It is the will of God for us to be holy because he says to us: “Be Holy for I the Lord your God am holy” (1Pet 1, 13-16).

In today’s gospel, John the Baptist identifies and vividly presents the Saviour to world. By this act, John has completed his mission and the will of God. It was for this reason that he was called to be a prophet. He has obediently accomplished his mission. John therefore is a perfect example to us of how we ought to approach our call and the will of God for us. All we need to do is to accept it, and the Holy Spirit will confirm our efforts.

When Jesus appeared, why did people not recognize him, were they physically blind? No! Instead they suffered from “spiritual blindness.” This prevented them from recognizing the Savior who they have waited so long to receive. It took the combination of an anointed prophet, and the testimony of the Holy Spirit to identify him. The only difference that the presence of Jesus Christ will make in the life of the spiritually blind is our testimonies. Hence it is our mission to present Christ to others as John did: “Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world”. Both Christ and John the Baptist have played their roles as far as doing the will of God is concerned. So, it is our duty to continue that same mission.

Finally, for us to do the will of God perfectly, we need to be in tune with the Holy Spirit. God will supply the grace that we need to do his will. The Holy Spirit will supply the power and the strength we need to fulfill our mission. If we remain docile to the Holy Spirit as John the Baptist was, he will reveal to us all we need to know. He will teach us the best way to carry out mission. Brethren, let us say with the psalmist: “Here I am Lord! I come to do your Will.”

Peace be with you!

Maranatha!!