First Reading I John 2:29-3:6 Gospel John 1:29-45

Part of our first reading is the second reading for All Saints Day. It is also used at other times during the year. The reading reminds us that we are God’s children now. It is hard for us to realize our share in God’s life. We usually live on the surface. We are more attuned to sense impressions than we are to faith. Therefore we must constantly remind ourselves that we share the very life of God; we truly are his children now. And we must remember our destiny: to be like Christ in every way. Christ has risen from the dead; his body is glorified. And that is our destiny. Because of our dignity as children of God, and sharers in his life, we must live in holiness. The gospel is the proclamation that Jesus is the “Lamb of God.” At his baptism, he took upon himself the sins of the world; he became the “Suffering Servant of the Lord.” As Lamb of God, he will give his life for us and for our salvation. The question is: Will we give our lives for him?

Also Most Holy Name of Jesus
The name of God was so sacred to God’s Chosen People that it was blasphemy to pronounce it. Once a year, on the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) the high priest entered the Holy of Holies of the Temple, and sprinkled the covering of the Ark of the Covenant with the blood of sacrifice. He then pronounced the name of God: “Yahweh.” This signaled the forgiveness of all sins committed during the entire past year. This was the only time when it was legitimate (and holy) to pronounce the name of God. Even today, Jews will not pronounce the name of God. When they write God or Lord or the name of God, they omit the vowels in order to show the sacredness of God. How sad, then, that even Christians use the name of God so loosely! Years ago, nearly every parish had a Holy Name Society. These societies were formed in order to counteract the irreverent and blasphemous use of God’s Holy Name. Today’s celebration grew out of that need -- a need for reverence for the Lord. Today, then, every person should renew his resolution never to speak the Holy Name of Jesus or of God except in reverence and prayer.