St James Catholic Church

Dear Parishioners,

Today’s Gospel begins with John the Baptist’s bold proclamation, “Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.” But John goes on to confess twice that at first, he did not know him. Even though the whole reason he called on people to repent and be baptized was to prepare for the Lord’s arrival, he himself did not recognize Jesus until he saw the Holy Spirit come down upon him like a dove. We all likely visualize Jesus somewhat differently. We may picture him portrayed in a painting or statue or even more recently created by AI. We too would probably not recognize him in a crowd. We know him from what he does.

Once John witnessed the Spirit descending like a dove upon Jesus, he gave witness, pointing him out and testifying that he is the one God sent to take away the sins of the world through his death and resurrection. We witness Jesus in the Eucharist, in each other gathered in his name, and in the priest celebrating Mass. We may also witness him in a person in need, the least of our sisters and brothers, and in an act of forgiveness. We, like John, are called to give witness, in words and in deeds, to his presence in our lives.

Love, Peace, Joy,

Fr. Bob

Today also begins a week of Prayer for Christian Unity, January 18th-25th.

Almighty and eternal God, you gather the scattered sheep and watch over those you have gathered. Look kindly on all who follow Jesus, your Son. You have marked them with the seal of one baptism, now make them one in the fullness of faith and unite them in the bond of love. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.