THEME: CALLED TO WITNESS TO CHRIST
Readings: Isaiah 49:3, 5–6/ 1 Corinthians 1:1–3/ John 1:29–34
2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A
Introduction
Beloved in Christ, today’s readings remind us that our Christian faith is not only something we receive but a mission we are entrusted with. In the readings, we hear a clear message: God calls, God sends, and God expects witness. We are called to witness to Christ—not only with our lips, but with our whole lives.
1. Christ as God’s Servant for the Salvation of the World
In the first reading, the prophet spoke of the Servant of the Lord, chosen from the womb and sent not only to restore Israel but to be “a light to the nations, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth” (Isaiah 49:6). This Servant finds his full meaning and fulfillment in Jesus Christ.
Thus, according to today’s gospel reading, St. John the Baptist pointed clearly to Jesus and proclaimed: “Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). Jesus is God’s Servant par excellence. He does not come with political power or earthly riches, but with humility, obedience, and self-giving love. By His death and resurrection, He brings salvation not only to one people, but to the whole of humanity. Our faith rests on this truth: Christ is sent by the Father for the salvation of all.
2. We Are Called to the Mission of Witnessing
St. Paul began his first letter to the Corinthians with the words: “Paul, called by the will of God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus” (1 Cor. 1:1). An “apostle” is one who is sent on a mission. So, like St. Paul, we are all called for a mission. What mission? The mission of witnessing to Christ as His saints (cf. 1 Cor. 1:2).
Therefore, to witness to Christ is not primarily about testifying to material blessings we have received —such as jobs, success, healing, or prosperity, important as these may be. Unfortunately, some Christians have “majored” in this “minor” act of testimony such that dishonesty has crept in. For instance, in a pseudo-Christian event which took place at the Accra Sports Stadium at the end of the year, 2025, some participants testified that they had miraculously received some “momo” (mobile money). These monies were certainly sent into their “momo” accounts by the organizers of the event. How can people toy with Christian testimony!
Christian witnessing is rather, first and foremost, about testifying to who Christ truly is. Let us learn from John the Baptist who witnessed by pointing beyond himself to Christ: “He [Christ] must increase; I must decrease” (John 3:30).
3. Witnessing to Christ Like John the Baptist Through Proclamation
John the Baptist teaches us that witnessing begins with clear proclamation. He openly declared what he has seen and heard: “I saw the Spirit come down like a dove… and I have testified that He is the Son of God” (John 1:32–34). So, like John, we must testify that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.
Secondly, John testified that Jesus is the only Saviour “who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). Similarly, we must proclaim that He is the unique Saviour of the world.
Proclamation is not limited to preaching in the church or on the roadside. Rather, it means speaking truthfully and courageously about our faith in our families, communities, workplaces, schools, etc. Silence in the face of error can weaken our witness.
4. Witnessing to Christ Like John the Baptist by Inspiring Lifestyle
Imagine a fashion company’s marketer who is shabbily dressed and a smartly dressed salesman of another fashion company. The latter may attract more customers than the former, for “actions speak louder than words”.
Thus, John the Baptist not only spoke about Christ; his life pointed to Christ. His humility, integrity, simplicity, and courage made his message credible.
Our lifestyle must do the same. In our society, people observe us closely:
- Are we honest in business and public life?
- Do our worship and prayer reflect in love, justice, and good morals?
A Christian who sings loudly in church but lives unjustly at home or in the community weakens the Gospel. An inspiring Christian life is often the most powerful sermon.
Conclusion
Beloved, God reminds us that Christ is God’s Servant for the salvation of the world, and we, as His Church, are called to witness to Him. Like John the Baptist, may we witness: by proclaiming that Jesus is the Son of God and Saviour of the world, and by living lives that reflect His light.
May the Holy Spirit give us the courage, humility, and grace to truly be witnesses of Christ, so that through us, others may come to believe.
Amen.
By Most Rev. John Kobina Louis
