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| “The Adoration of the Name of Jesus” by El Greco, 1578-79 |
Optional readings may be taken from texts for Votive Masses #983, The Most Holy Name of Jesus
Commentary:
Reading 1: 1 John 2:29–3:6
Commentary on 1 Jn 2:29–3:6
This selection, from St. John’s first letter, starts by telling his followers that, since they have chosen to act in accordance with the Lord’s commandments, they have received his adoption. The Evangelist first tells his audience that, if they are righteous, they are of God, because God is righteous. Then he goes on to say if they are pure, they are in him (Jesus) because he is purity. Finally he gives us the inverse, saying if they are in sin they cannot be in God, because in God there is no sin. All of this relative description relates to our adopted status in the Lord.
In chapter 3 the Evangelist explains Christian adoption. “The greatest sign of God's love is the gift of his Son (John 3:16) that has made Christians true children of God. This relationship is a present reality and also part of the life to come; true knowledge of God will ultimately be gained, and Christians prepare themselves now by virtuous lives in imitation of the Son.” [4]
In the final paragraph reference to sin and lawlessness are probably references to acting in ways that follow the teachings of the “antichrist” or false teachers.
CCC: 1 Jn 3 2822; 1 Jn 3:1 1692; 1 Jn 3:2 163, 1023, 1161, 1720, 2519, 2772; 1 Jn 3:3 2345; 1 Jn 3:5 457
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Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 98:1, 3cd-4, 5-6
R. (3cd) All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.
Commentary on Ps 98:1, 3cd-4, 5-6
Psalm 98 is a song of praise and thanksgiving. We see in this selection how God is praised for the strength he lends his people, and the salvation he brings to those who are faithful. The psalm rejoices in God’s salvation. The Lord has revealed his compassion toward the people and they sing his praises in response. As the Hebrews saw this as salvation for the people of Israel from its enemies, we see the deeper expression of God’s love as he sent his Son for salvation and justice for the whole world.
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Gospel: John 1:29-34
Commentary on Jn 1:29-34
St. John the Baptist professes the identity of Jesus as the Messiah, “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.” The author’s theological understanding of the eternal nature of Christ is expressed in the Baptist’s words: “A man is coming after me who ranks ahead of me because he existed before me."
After stating the connection between Jesus Christ and the Baptist’s mission, the author follows the tradition of the synoptic Gospels as he describes Jesus emerging from his baptism in the Jordan and the descent of the Holy Spirit. St. John concludes this testimony by St. John the Baptist with a solid affirmation that Jesus is the Son of God.
John’s great epiphany guides the Church's Christology: Jesus followed John the Baptist, being born after he was but ranking high above him. John the Baptist came baptizing with water; Jesus baptizes in the Holy Spirit. St. John recounts how, when Jesus came to the repentant bath in the Jordan, the dove descended and God the Father claimed him.
CCC: Jn 1:29 408, 523, 536, 608, 1137, 1505; Jn 1:31-34 486; Jn 1:31 438; Jn 1:32-34 713; Jn 1:32-33 536; Jn 1:33-36 719; Jn 1:33-34 1286
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Homily:
Of all the images and all the names of Jesus we receive at this time of year, the one we are given by St. John’s Gospel today provokes the most emotion. We have heard the story of Jesus in the womb of Mary, and how he was born in humble surroundings. We probably placed the tiny figure of the Christ child in the manger scene in our homes, and thought: “How cute is the baby Jesus.”
We have heard little about his life (except the incident where he was left at the temple) until his baptism by John the Baptist in the Jordan River. Here, in the account of St. John’s Gospel, we are given the image of the Eucharistic Christ: “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.” We hear a similar phrase and respond to it each time we go to Mass. The celebrant elevates the newly consecrated host, now the Body of the Risen Christ, and echoes the marvel of St. John the Baptist. In awe he proclaims that once more the promise is fulfilled, once more the Lord has come so that we might be in him and he in us. “Behold the Lamb of God, behold him who takes away the sins of the world, blessed are those called to the supper of the Lamb.”
And what is that image, what holy name is used? Is it the babe in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger? Is it the mighty Savior, his winnowing fan in his hand, who casts out evil? Is it the Messiah entering the gates of Jerusalem to loud hosannas? No, it is the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. The lamb, in Jesus' time the male lamb, was the prescribed animal for the sacrifice of atonement; The Lamb of God, the meek and unresisting sacrifice that opened the gates of heaven to us. The blood of that lamb was poured out for all humankind and gained for us the eternal promise.
Today we celebrate, as Church, the Feast of the Most Holy Name of Jesus. It is the name bestowed on the only Son of God. He is the Lamb of God, and at his name, St. Paul writes in his letter to the Philippines: “every knee must bend in the heavens, on the earth, and under the earth, and every tongue proclaim, to the glory of God the Father, that JESUS CHRIST IS LORD.” (Philippians 2:10-11)
Pax
[1] The picture used today is “The Adoration of the Name of Jesus” by El Greco, 1578-79.
[4] See NAB footnote on 1 Jn 3:1ff.
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