It is easy to see foreshadowing of John the Baptist in Isaiah’s reference to himself as one “formed as God’s servant from the womb.” After all, we see John’s first moment of action when he leaps in Elizabeth’s womb, recognizing Jesus in joy even before either of their faces was visible. The second reading is also about callings, both Paul’s particular calling as an apostle and the universal call to holiness that his entire audience—including us.

In the psalm at some big moments in the church year, it is often associated with Mary and proclaimed in conjunction with the annunciation story.  Here, at the beginning of Ordinary Time, we place ourselves in the presence of God. And we cried out with the psalmist, “Here am I, Lord: I come to do your will.” Yes, we are ready hopefully eager to do God’s will with enthusiasm, to act with our best intentions.

John’s gospel introduces us to John the Baptist in his prologue is what we hear John is sent to proclaim: Jesus as the preexistent Word, the Spirit-filled one, the Son of God.  John the Baptist had a central role during Advent as we move on to Ordinary Time, he reminds us often that he is not the main character. In this gospel John the Baptist give up the stage to Jesus, who is beginning his active ministry. In one last testimony, he reminds us of the prophecies we heard during Advent and recounts the baptism of Jesus. He’s been saying all along that he’s not the real deal.

The last words that John the Baptist speaks later in this gospel sum up his calling: “He must increase; I must decrease.” Our discipleship my dear friends in Christ must always decrease without possessiveness, without blocking the view of Jesus, we must point others to the One who is “coming toward them.” We all need the humility of John the Baptist that recognizes that when we are acting prophetically, it is not our cause, our actions, our self image, but about God which we are witnessing. John also gives us the line we hear before Communion at every Mass: “Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world. Blessed are we who are called to the supper of the lamb.” May we join with John the Baptist in bearing witness to the one we encounter here and now. Amen.

By Deacon Faiva Po’oi

Second Sunday in Ordinary Time Reflection