Sunday, Jan. 18, is the Second Sunday of Ordinary Time. Mass readings: Isaiah 49:3, 5-6; Psalm 40:2, 4, 7-8, 8-9, 10; 1 Corinthians 1:1-3; John 1:29-34. As Ordinary Time (tempus per annum) opens up, the lectionary continues to “introduce” Christ to us. The Christmas cycle now done, we must ask, “Who is Jesus Christ? Who is this Savior who has been born for us?”

John the Baptist elaborates on this. John’s words are brief, but they are packed with Christological teaching. In the Gospel we learn at least five things about Jesus.

“John … said, ‘Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.’” Unless you know the history of this moment, it seems a little odd. This declaration answers a question by Isaac some 1,800 years prior to this event: “Behold, the fire and the wood; but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?” Abraham said, “God will provide himself the lamb …” (Genesis 22:6ff). The question “Where is the Lamb?” was repeated down through the generations. Now, standing on the banks of the Jordan, John the Baptist answers Isaac’s question, “Behold, the Lamb of God.”

“He is the one of whom I said, ‘A man is coming after me who ranks ahead of me because he existed before me.’” John is clearly teaching of Christ’s preexistence. Before assuming a human nature, Jesus existed eternally with the Father. There never was a time when Jesus the Son was not. He is eternally begotten by the Father and existed before all ages.

John also says that “the reason why I came baptizing with water was that he might be made known to Israel.” In effect, John is saying, “I exist for Him. My purpose is to reveal Him.” He must increase, but I must decrease (John 3:30). Jesus is greater than John or any prophet or world leader. Jesus is the Groom; John is but the best man.

“John testified further, saying … 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.’” The baptism of John could only announce repentance and call for it. It could not truly wash away sins. Not only does Jesus’ baptism take away sins; it confers the Holy Spirit. We are given a whole new life. Sin is taken away and in its place grace upon grace is given: grace to restore us, renew us and refashion us; grace that equips, empowers and enables us; grace that sanctifies, gives sonship and seals us with the Holy Spirit.

“Now I have seen and testified that he is the Son of God.” As the Son of God, Christ manifests the Father; he is the presence of God in this world. He shares fully in the one divine essence and, as Son, shows us the Father. He is the presence of God among us.

So, here is a very compact Christology, set forth by John the Baptist. Upon these truths about Jesus the Church has meditated, clarified and taught for millennia now. Throughout this cycle of readings in this liturgical year, the Church will continue to unfold this glorious truth about Jesus.