2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time (A)

 Is. 49:3, 5-6; 1 Cor. 1:1-3; Jn. 1:29-34

One evening, a young boy was walking home from school when he noticed smoke rising from a nearby house. Without thinking twice, he ran toward the fire and shouted for help. Neighbors rushed out, and together they managed to rescue an elderly woman trapped inside. When reporters later asked the boy why he ran toward danger instead of away from it, he simply said, “I saw someone who needed help.” The boy did not seek praise. He only pointed to the need.

This simple story reminds us of John the Baptist. He did not seek attention for himself. Instead, he pointed away from himself and toward Jesus, saying, “Here is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.” John’s life teaches us that true greatness lies not in being seen, but in helping others see Christ.

John the Baptist was a powerful preacher, and crowds followed him. Yet when Jesus appeared, John did not compete with Him. He did not feel threatened. Instead, he humbled himself and declared that Jesus was greater. In today’s world, where people fight for recognition, followers, and fame, John’s attitude feels revolutionary. Social media teaches us to promote ourselves, but the Gospel teaches us to point to Christ. Like John, our mission is not to make ourselves famous, but to make Jesus known.

John the Baptist stands by the River Jordan when he sees Jesus approaching and declares, “Here is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.” With these words, John does not draw attention to himself but points entirely to Jesus. Though many followed John and admired his preaching, he remained humble. He knew his mission was not to be the center, but to prepare the way for the Savior.

In a world that constantly pushes us to promote ourselves, John’s attitude teaches us a powerful lesson. True greatness is not found in fame, popularity, or recognition, but in leading others to Christ. Like a signpost that points to a destination without keeping attention on itself, our lives should direct people toward Jesus.

In a small coastal village, there lived an old lighthouse keeper. His job was simple but vital: every night, he climbed the tall tower and lit the powerful lamp that guided ships safely through dangerous waters.

Tourists often visited the village and admired the tall lighthouse. Some even asked to meet the keeper, but he always avoided attention. He lived quietly in a small hut beside the tower. He never gave interviews, never posed for photos, and never spoke about his work.

One stormy night, a large ship was about to crash on the rocky shore. The waves were high, and visibility was poor. But the lighthouse beam cut through the darkness and guided the ship safely into the harbor.

The next day, the ship’s captain asked,

“Who is the man who saved our lives last night?”

The villagers pointed not to the keeper, but to the lighthouse and said,

“The light saved you.”

Later, someone asked the old keeper,

“Why don’t you tell people about yourself?”

He smiled and replied,

“My job is not to be seen. My job is to make sure the light is seen.”

Like the lighthouse keeper, John the Baptist did not seek attention. He did not try to make himself famous. His only mission was to make sure people saw the Light — Jesus Christ.

In a world that tells us to promote ourselves, build our image, and seek recognition, John teaches us a different way:

True greatness is not about being noticed — it is about helping others find the Light.

The prophet Isaiah foretold that God’s servant would be a light to all nations. Jesus fulfills this prophecy. His love reaches every culture, every background, and every broken soul. No one is excluded from His mercy.

Saint Paul reminds the Corinthians that they are called to live holy lives. Holiness is not only for saints and priests—it is for every Christian. Holiness means living with honesty, compassion, forgiveness, and faith in daily life.

John’s mission was short, but powerful. He reminds us that impact matters more than duration.
We may not live famous lives, but we can live faithful ones.

The Lamb of God invites us to a new way of living — not based on pride, but on service; not on fear, but on faith; not on sin, but on grace.

First, like John the Baptist, we are called to point to Jesus, not to ourselves. In our workplaces, families, and communities, our words and actions should reflect Christ’s love.

Again, like John, we are called to humility and courage — humble enough to step aside for God, and courageous enough to stand for truth.

Satish