Unlike the other three Gospels, John’s does not record the event of Jesus’ baptism in the Jordan, but alludes to it in the words of John the Baptist (v 33). John the Gospel-writer did not want to say anything that might seem to subordinate Jesus to John the Baptist, so he portrayed the latter’s role as only as giving witness to Jesus. Up to this point, John the Baptist emphasized that his mission was one of preparation. Now is the moment when he could point to Jesus and say, "This is God’s chosen One" (v 34). The sign by which John recognized him became the key point of his testimony — the descent of the Spirit in the form of a dove (v 32). The dove symbolized love and represented the nation of Israel in the Jewish Scriptures (see Ps 74:19; Is 60:8; Hos 11:11; also numerous references in the Song of Songs).

The expression "Lamb of God" is a play on words in the original Aramaic language that the Baptist and Jesus spoke. "Lamb" and "servant" are the same word: talia. So the use of this expression refers back to both the Suffering Servant of Isaiah’s prophecy (see Is 42:1-4; 49:1-7; 50:4-11; 52:13-53:12) and to the lamb of the paschal sacrifice whose blood saved the first-born of Israel (see Ex 12).

John’s words may also stem from the same tradition that finally found expression in the book of Revelation, in which the Lamb is the central character. Read and reflect upon the passages about the Lamb: the scene of heavenly worship in Rev 4:1-5:14; the wrath of the Lamb, Rev 6; salvation from the Lamb, Rev 7ff; the victory of the Lamb, Rev 17:14; the new Jerusalem as the Bride of the Lamb, Rev 19:5-9; 21:9-27.

This passage reflects the call of the prophet as servant of God. His role is not merely to announce, but to be in person the point of contact between God and humankind. Christ was the definitive insertion of God’s presence into human history, and this presence is continued through the Church, charged with the mission of transforming all humanity into Christ’s body.

Originally the thanksgiving of one who had been rescued from danger of death, this psalm expresses readiness to do God’s will, and to praise God by proclaiming his power and mercy. Response: "Here am I, Lord; I have come to do your will."

The letters to the Corinthians reveal many serious problems that plagued the early Christian communities: divisions in leadership, factions among the members, and reversion to pagan immorality. These problems confront Christians in every age, and are very much alive today. At the beginning of his letter, Paul affirms the foundation of the solution: awareness that we are consecrated a holy people in Christ. If we truly realize our dignity in our relationship with him, we must act accordingly.

Vv 4-8, which emphasize the total giftedness of the Christian life, are read on the First Sunday of Advent, Year B.

1. How can you proclaim in your own life: "Now I have seen for myself and can testify, ‘Jesus is God’s chosen One’"?

2. How can an awareness of your relationship with Christ influence your thoughts and actions?