Complete Joy
Second Sunday in Ordinary Time (A)
Read this Gospel passage aloud to the family
John 1:29-34 – John the Baptist saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world. He is the one of whom I said, ‘A man is coming after me who ranks ahead of me because he existed before me. ’I did not know him, but the reason why I came baptizing with water was that he might be made known to Israel.” John testified further, saying, “I saw the Spirit come down like a dove from heaven and remain upon him. I did not know him, but 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.’ Now I have seen and testified that he is the Son of God.”
(Parent) Reread this part a few times aloud
“John the Baptist saw Jesus coming toward him and said, ‘Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.’”
(Parent) Read this meditation aloud to the family
John is marked by many great things, above all of these, being loved by Christ. Often John’s eccentric qualities get a lot of mention. But one thing that should be especially mentioned, especially after the Christmas season, is John’s joy. Imagine the great joy that John had the times when he saw Jesus coming toward him. Jesus was the Person around whom John’s whole life revolved. Jesus was John’s everything. And Jesus came to Him.
The first thing we ever hear about John during his life is that, before he is even born, he jumps in Elizabeth’s womb when Mary (pregnant with Jesus) arrives at John and Elizabeth’s home. Soon before his arrest and death, as his own ministry is coming to a close, John tells one of own his disciples that his joy has been made complete (John 3:29). When we live our lives for Christ, we will experience a joy unlike anything that we can receive anywhere else. And in the end, that joy will be utterly (and eternally) complete!
Together as a family pray a portion of the Rosary (i.e. – very short if children are young) reflecting on the Scripture above. (Optional – allow a brief time for discussion or questions from children concerning their thoughts and prayer)
