John 1:29
"John the Baptist saw Jesus coming toward him and said, "Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world."
Would you recognize Jesus if you saw him? Even more, would you think he was the "Lamb of God, who would take away the sins of the world"? John the Baptist was a radical in his day. He was ready for the messiah, for Israel's reckoning while everyone around him was enjoying the relative comfort and peace that the Roman empire offered. He was no one of authority, and yet he had the audacity to tell everyone "Look! Get ready! The one you've been waiting for is here!"
As we continue to celebrate Christmas, we remember that the God of our joy, the God who loved and willed us into existence, became one of us so that we could become like him. We also remember that he chose to come to us in a surprising way, not at all how anyone would expect him to. Sometimes we need help to recognize his presence, to know that he is here with us. Who in your life is like John the Baptist who says "look! There's Jesus!" Maybe today, God is calling you to be John the Baptist to someone else.
Get to know our seminarians! Today's reflection was written by:
Zach Brasseur, Pastoral Year
Home parish: St. Paul's, St. Petersburg
Did you know...
Zach is currently on his pastoral year assignment at St. Timothy in Lutz. He is a graduate of Saint Leo University and a native of St. Petersburg.
Pray with us for the men and women discerning the priesthood and religious life. To pray for our seminarians by name or to find out more about the Diocese of St. Petersburg vocations office, click here.
