Homily of 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time
By Fr Oluwafemi Victor Orilua CSSp
Isaiah 49:3, 5-6, 1 Corinthians 1:1-3, John 1:29-34
True and authentic witnessing does not require full understanding, but deep faith in the One for whom we bear witness. Obedience is simply faith put into action: we obey even when we do not yet fully understand. This is because, sometimes God asks us to act before He makes things clear to us. Like John the Baptist at the baptism of Jesus, we may hesitate out of reverence or confusion, but grace unfolds when we trust God’s instruction. Authentic witnessing also means refusing to point to ourselves. Self-witness is often self-defeating; but when we put others first, profound revelation awaits us.
John came to prepare the way for Jesus; his mission was to make Him known. Yet, from the beginning, he did not possess full knowledge of who Jesus was. When the moment of revelation arrived, he confessed: “I myself did not know him, but he who sent me to baptise with water said to me, ‘He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain, this is he who baptises with the Holy Spirit.’ And I have seen and borne witness that this is the Son of God.” Hence, we learnt that faith means believing what God commands, trusting that it will be fulfilled in His own time. This teaches us that fidelity comes before clarity. We obey first, and understanding unfolds along the way.
Moreover, this is true of human life in general. Openness to new experiences deepens our knowledge and wisdom, but fear of risk can trap us in ignorance. John held firmly to the sign God had given him, and when it was fulfilled, he confirmed it with conviction. Likewise, we must hold on to our God-given vision, remain focused, and resist distractions that threaten to pull us off course. At times, we know our true mission, but external influences or the temptation to self-importance can distort our orientation and cause us to lose focus.
John was prominent, widely respected, and influential. Judging by appearance and lineage, many would have preferred to follow him rather than Jesus Christ. Yet John understood that his mission was not to replace Jesus but to reveal Him. This also teaches us that a guide or mentor is not necessarily greater than the one guided; he is simply a channel for the unfolding of another’s calling. Those who feel threatened by the progress of those they have helped only reveal their sense of insecurity, pride, or ignorance.
Though John intuitively recognised Jesus even before baptising Him. This explains his hesitation, and the descent of the Holy Spirit confirmed what his spirit already sensed: that Jesus was sinless and did not need a baptism of repentance. When we truly cherish others, even with our little knowledge of them, time reveals more clearly who they are and the fullness of their potential. Hence, wisdom lies in knowing our place and faithfully occupying it.
Let us pray for our leaders, especially Church leaders, that they may always see themselves as servants, ready to bear humble and effective witness to Jesus. Amen.
