January 3, 2026, Saturday before Epiphany
Lectionary #206, John 1: 29-34

Scripture
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 the sky 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.”

Reflection
This proclamation holds great significance, particularly because it is the source of the words spoken as the priest presents the Blessed Sacrament to the assembly during Mass. In saying this, John is pointing to one whom he “did not recognize.” Thus, he knows that he must point Jesus out to others because his divine Sonship is not evident from his appearance alone.

After the Resurrection on the road to Emmaus, when Jesus continues to teach the disciples about the mystery of the Holy Eucharist, they must learn to recognize him “in the breaking of the bread.” In this new age, the Blessed Sacrament, which is offered as the perfect Lamb of Sacrifice on our altars, is the definitive sign of his glorified presence in the world. It is a living sacrifice because the Spirit of immortality has “remained on him.” The Lamb gives us life by taking away our sins and giving us the same life of His Spirit.

When Our Lady speaks at La Salette, the close association of the themes of the Mass, spoiled wheat, and the shortage of bread is something to ponder. Was she speaking only literally of the actual famine that was to come, or was she pointing to another meaning, perhaps one which was not immediately “recognized”? “If you have wheat, it is not good to sow it.” This can remind us of the parable of the sower and the seed. Perhaps the deeper, spiritual meaning of Our Lady’s words is that the “seed” of new and eternal life must be cultivated in properly prepared ground for it to flourish and reach its full potential.

La Salette Invocation
Our Lady of La Salette, reconciler of sinners,
pray without ceasing for us who have recourse to you.