Memorial of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, Religious

John was standing with two of his disciples, and as he watched Jesus walk by, he said, “Behold, the Lamb of God.” (John 1:35-36)

This Gospel clearly demonstrates how to evangelize. John the Baptist leads his disciples to Christ by pointing him out and stepping back. He knows he has done his part.

This section in the first chapter of John is titled “The First Disciples,” so we have a good idea of how the story will turn out. But what I found really interesting is looking back at the titles of the preceding two sections: “John the Baptist’s Testimony to himself” and “John the Baptist’s testimony to Jesus.”

Step 1: John first had to give testimony to himself.

“I am not the Messiah.” (verse 20)

Step 2: Then, he gave testimony to Jesus.

He saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.” (verse 29)

Step 3: Only then was he ready to testify to the rest of the world.

“Behold, the Lamb of God.” (verse 36)

At the end of every Mass, we are sent out on our mission: “Go and announce the Gospel of the Lord.” “Go in peace, glorifying the Lord by your life.” But every mission has to begin with step one. We have to encounter the Lord and learn to love Him with all our hearts.

“The liturgy does not simply come to an end. Those assembled are sent forth to bring the fruits of the Eucharist to the world.” (USCCB, Order of Mass – Concluding Rites)

The Eucharist is always effective. No matter what step of our journey we are at, when we allow Jesus to transform our hearts, we can share that fruit. And then we step back.

Let us pray:

“Oh, Father, the first rule of our dear Savior’s life was to do your will. Let his will of the present moment be the first rule of our daily life and work, with no other desire but for its most full and complete accomplishment. Help us to follow it faithfully, so that doing what you wish, we will be pleasing to you. Amen.” (Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton)