John 1:19-34

St. John the Baptist bore witness to Jesus as the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.

"A voice cries out: in the desert prepare the way of the Lord! Make straight in the wasteland a highway for our God!… Go up onto a high mountain, Zion, herald of glad tidings; cry out at the top of your voice, Jerusalem, herald of good news! Fear not to cry out and say to the cities of Judah: Here is your God!" (1)

The Word's Herald

A voice cries: "in the wilderness,
Make straight the path; the Lamb draws near!"
John the Baptist was this witness:
His ways prophetic and austere.

"Repent and be renewed in heart;
The One who will come after me,
Will take away what sins impart -
How great He is! - I'm not worthy.

Spirit, descending like a dove,
Remained on Him when He emerged
From the waters, the Lamb of love,
As the Father and Son converged."

The Lamb baptizes with Spirit:
Love descends like a living flame,
Consuming hearts that draw near it -
This is the reason Jesus came!

"Behold the Lamb, gentle and meek;
He is the Way for all who seek."


May the Lamb of God instill a spirit of gentle humility and peace as His presence is announced in the wilderness of our hearts.

1. Isaiah 40:3, 9


(c) Paul Buis, 2005