Theme: John testifies that Jesus is the Lamb of God, God’s own Son.

From the desk of Ms. Kathleen Cook, Director of Religious Education
Theme: John 1:29-34 John testifies that Jesus is the Lamb of God, God’s own Son.
 
Summary: In today’s gospel we encounter the prophet John. Notice that in this gospel he is never referred to as the Baptist. His purpose in this gospel, as in the others, is to announce and point to Jesus as the Messiah. This is John’s unique call from God, to indeed prepare the way of the Lord and point to Jesus as the Lamb of God. John makes it clear that his call is to be the, if you will, advance man for Jesus. John, like all of us who claim Jesus Christ as Messiah, are to point to Jesus. Ultimately, our call, like that of John’s, is to direct others to Christ Jesus.
 
  Scripture: The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, "Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! I have seen and I testify that this is the Son of God." The next day John was there again with two of his disciples. When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, "Look, the Lamb of God!" John 1:29, 34-35  www.sermons4kids.com
 
Because John loved to show and tell others about Jesus, many people came to know Jesus and follow him. It is important for us to show and tell others about Jesus too. We can show others about Jesus by doing the things that Jesus taught us to do -- things like loving one another and being helpful and kind. Then people will see that we know Jesus and that will give us a chance to tell them about Jesus. We can tell them about what he has done for us and what he wants to do for them. Yes, each day we should show and tell others about Jesus!
Dear Father, help us this week to "show and tell" others about you and your love. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.

Key Words in Today’s Readings: www.livingwithchrist.us

First Reading: Isaiah 49:3,5-6

Jacob was the grandson of Abraham and the father of many children. His children were the first people in the twelve tribes of the Jewish people. In this reading, Jacob represents all the people of Israel.

Second Reading: Saint Paul to the Corinthians

Sosthenes was a friend and companion of St. Paul who helped him spread the good news of Jesus Christ to the people in Corinth in Greece.
When Saint Paul wishes “grace to you and peace,” he is expressing his wish that we will all live according to the gifts that Jesus’ salvation brings, especially peace.

Gospel: John 1:29-3
               
The Lamb of God is Jesus. Jewish people made sacrifices of animals to God. Because Saint John the Baptist himself knew the cost of announcing the love of God, he cold see that Jesus would be the Lamb of God.
To testify is to announce a truth with words or deeds, so that others will know the truth. We testify that Jesus lives when we live as he taught us.
Saint John the Baptist calls Jesus the Son of God, showing that Jesus is the Messiah, the long-awaited one sent from God to bring us salvation.
My Promise to Jesus:  Lord, I will tell my friends and family about you. I want everyone to know how great you are!        https://us.magnificat.net/my-sunday-gospel-coloring-book-2020.html

Reflect: If a word or phrase from the Gospel captures your heart, sit quietly for several minutes, repeating it to yourself and asking God to show you how it applies to your life.  Who in your life reminds you of John the Baptist,  because his or her words and actions point towards Jesus?   www.smp.org
 
Suggested book that compliments today’s Gospel:
http://scu.edu/character/build-plant-grow/
The Imitation of Christ for Children: A Guide to Following Jesus
Written by Elizabeth Ficocelli
ISBN: 13:978-0809167333

Pray that you will always allow Jesus to lead you in every step of your life. Each and every day make an offering of your day and your talents as a gift to God. The gifts we have are given to us by God and what we do with them in a virtuous and right manner is our gift back to God.
 
Family Discussion:  The ministry of John the Baptist prepared for and pointed to the ministry of Jesus. In a similar way, our lives are to offer testimony to who we know Jesus to be for us and for the world. Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. How does the witness of our lives give testimony to the reconciling presence of Christ? As a family, identify as many titles for Jesus as possible, such as Lamb of God, Son of God, Prince of Peace, and so on. Talk together about what these different titles mean and what they tell you about Jesus. Then read together today’s Gospel, John 1:29-34. Consider how John the Baptist gives testimony to who Jesus is. Talk about what people might come to know about Jesus by observing your family life. Pray together that your family life will show others that Jesus is the Son of God, the lamb who takes away the sins of the world. Pray the Lord’s Prayer. . www.loyolapress.com