I did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘On whomever you see the Spirit come down and remain, he is the one who will baptize with the holy Spirit.’ (John 1:33)

John the Baptist and Jesus were cousins, so it is hard to imagine they did not know each other. I think he knew his cousin, but he did not know he was The One. John was following God’s instructions, working while waiting for a sign. Then one day, there He was, “coming toward him…”:

“Behold the Lamb of God” (John 1:29)

How did John recognize Him? He saw the sign.

That same recognition continues today. We hear these words at every Mass as we are invited to Communion. The same Jesus who walked the earth during John’s time is The One who comes to us on the altar every time we celebrate the Eucharist. Jesus in history… Jesus in mystery.

At the words of consecration, when the priest calls the Holy Spirit upon the gifts of bread and wine, the Spirit comes down like a dove and remains.

“Behold the Lamb of God” (John 1:29)

Do we recognize Him? Do we see the signs?

“The Word of God became flesh and dwelt among us. To those who accepted him, he gave power to become the children of God.” (John 1:14a, 12a)

John pointed out the Son of God to his disciples so they would follow Jesus. When the priest testifies that Jesus is in the Most Blessed Sacrament, we are invited to come to him, to take and eat, so that we can become what we eat. We are then sent out to proclaim the Gospel with our lives.

“Behold, a child of God!” Will they recognize us?

Let us pray:

Lord, help me live a life that always reflects your love.