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Reflection on this Sunday's scripture readings
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Isaiah 49:3-6
Psalm 39
1Corinthians1:1-3
John 1:29-34
Today we continue the theme of the Epiphany or manifestation of God to the world. The first reading is the second of the great "Servant Songs" from the prophet Isaiah. Here Israel, especially the prophet himself, is God's servant who will bring the people back to God to be a light to the nations.
St Paul reminds the Corinthians that they, together with all those who call on the name of Jesus the Lord, are called to be saints.
Last week we read the Baptism of Jesus according to Matthew. Today, John has a scene in which John the Baptist gives two testimonies. The first is that Jesus is the Lamb of God, a reference either to the Suffering Servant of Isaiah who is led like a lamb to the slaughter or to the Passover lamb, John's symbol of the death of Jesus. The second testimony is his witness of the descent of the Holy Spirit on Jesus, the divine sign to John the Baptist that Jesus is the Chosen One of God.
Can you listen to the words God spoke to his servant Israel and hear God say the same words to you?
Read the psalm slowly and prayerfully. Ask God what he wants from you. Can you say with the psalmist, "Here I am, Lord! I come to do your will"?