Both the Servant and Israel were to become a light to the nations in order that the salvation of God reach to the ends of the Earth. God refuses to be limited or boxed in by human activity or ideas, for God is moved by the tears and suffering of all humanity. God’s compassion knows no limits or boundaries. To be the bearers of this light and compassion was and still is the calling of Israel and it is also ours as Christians.
Sometimes people ask why they should be Christian if people of other religions or none at all can be saved. The answer is simple: we are called, and there can be no greater privilege or honour than bringing the compassion and light of God to others. Isaiah’s words are a challenge to everyone, but especially the Church. Rather than being consumed with “churchy” problems, it is important to keep fixed on God’s universal mission and the problems of our world. This challenge has been expressed often by Pope Francis in both word and action. The broader our vision, the broader our heart; the broader our heart, the greater number of souls touched by God’s love.
What is a saint and how do we get to be one? Paul implies that we are God’s unfinished work of art. He addressed his letter to “those who are sanctified (‘sainted’) in Christ Jesus” and who are called to be saints — that is, the entire community of believers. Sanctity was a communal activity — no “lone rangers” here! Throughout his letters, Paul emphasized the importance of being “in Christ” or living in the spirit with the mind and heart of Christ. Wrapped in the Spirit of Christ, we are continually transformed into His image. The holiness is not earned or merited. Our contribution is surrender, response and co-operation. But it only happens when we allow it to happen. Our reluctance or inability to remain in Christ thwarts so much of God’s creative and redemptive work.
John the Baptist was depicted in various ways in the four Gospels. In the Gospel of John, he was less the fiery apocalyptic prophet than portrayed in Mark, Matthew and Luke, and there was no mention of his execution. John the Baptist’s entire life was consumed with the mission of preparing the way for someone else and witnessing to Him when He arrived on the scene. Ego and self-seeking did not play a role in his ministry. He humbly stepped off stage when Jesus began His ministry. John was clearly in the tradition of Isaiah’s Servant. He did what all Servants of God do so well — he read seemingly ordinary signs with spiritual awareness and sensitivity. He recognized Jesus as the One who was with God in the beginning as well as His universal mission. As the Lamb of God, He was to take away the sin of the world.
It is interesting that “sin” is singular — the Gospel of John’s theology focused on one root sin: ignorance of the living and true God, even by those who claimed otherwise. Jesus would reveal God as God really is — love and light — and provide access to God through the Spirit.
Following in the steps of John the Baptist, we recognize the universal nature of Christ’s mission: to heal, restore, bless and enlighten all of humanity in diverse ways. Living out the values of love, compassion, justice and unity that Jesus taught us is the most eloquent and convincing testimony or witness that we can give to the world.