In today’s Word of God, we encounter the figure of the “Servant of Yahweh” or “Servant of the Lord” (Is 49:3; Is 42:1; Is 42:19). Who is this servant? Is he a recurring character in Isa 40:55, who is sometimes described as Israel and other times as a single prophetic individual rather than Israel? In our case, the first reading identifies him (servant of Yahweh) with Israel. In this sense, the servant represents the people of God as a whole. At the time of the Babylonian exile, Israel had failed as a nation; its dreams of glory and victory had collapsed. Yet, even in this situation of defeat and despair, God chooses Israel to be a light of salvation to all nations. This may seem unbelievable, but it is precisely through this wounded servant that the Lord promises to manifest his glory (cf. Is 52:13).
Two important elements stand out in the vocation of this servant. First, the call comes from God. Second, the one who is called is sent on a mission that is meant to benefit others. This call is not limited to Israel alone; it is a call addressed to all of us.
The call comes from God
In the second reading, Saint Paul introduces himself as “called to be an apostle” (cf. 1 Cor 1:1; Rom 1:1; 1 Tim 1:1; Col 1:1; Eph 1:1). His authority does not come from human qualification but from a vocation received from God. An apostle is one who is sent (cf, Jn 13:16; Lk 6:13) to proclaim the Gospel, especially to those who have not yet heard it. Paul reminds the Corinthians that his message does not rely on human wisdom but on the authority of God who has sent him.
Paul also calls the Corinthians “holy people.” In that context, holiness meant being “set apart” or “consecrated” for God. They were holy not because they were perfect, but because they had chosen a way of life distinct from pagan practices. In the same way, our holiness today is rooted in our belonging to God and in the life we choose to live according to His will.
The one who is called is sent for others
We have seen how the early Christians courageously defended their faith in Jesus Christ. Today, we must ask ourselves: what do we defend, and whom do we proclaim? Our mission is not merely to imitate Jesus externally or remain at the level of imitation, but to welcome Him into our hearts and then lead others to Him. Having received the Holy Spirit, we are sent to bear witness so that others may encounter Jesus Christ, who saves us through His life-giving love.
My dear brothers and sisters, each one of us has a vocation. And this vocation continues the mission of Jesus Himself, whom John the Baptist proclaims as the Lamb of God that is the one who offers Himself in sacrifice so that all may have life (cf. Jn 1:29; Is 53:7). Through catechesis and faith formation, our eyes have been opened to recognize the true identity of Jesus. Therefore, we must remember that our lives have a mission beyond ourselves. As Isaiah reminds us, the servant is called not only to restore Israel but also to be “a light to the nations” (Is 49:6; Is 42:6) and the fulfilment will be in Jesus (Lk 2:32).
What do we learn from today’s Word of God?
First, God does not call us only for personal holiness or private success. Every Christian vocation: whether marriage, priesthood, religious life, or professional work; is meant to serve others and bring God’s light into the world. A faith that turns inward misses its true purpose.
Second, our true identity is found in God’s call. Isaiah speaks of being formed in the womb, and Paul describes himself as “called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus” (1 Cor 1:1). Our deepest identity does not come from our achievements, titles, or failures, but from God who calls us. When we know who we are in God, we live with humility, hope, and confidence.
Third, Jesus is the Lamb who takes away the sin of the world. John the Baptist points clearly to Him and not to himself. Our salvation is not achieved by human effort alone, but through Jesus who offers Himself for the forgiveness of sins. Every Eucharistic celebration and every confession we attend, invites us to encounter this Lamb who heals, frees, and reconciles us to God. Our responsibility then is to make others great just as Christ has made us great and not to undermine or pray for the failure of others.
Finally, we are called to be witnesses, not replacements, for Christ. John the Baptist humbly declares: I did not know him, but I came baptizing so that he might be made known (cf. Jn 1:31; Jn 1:33). He steps aside so that Christ may be revealed. Like John, our role is not to draw attention to ourselves, but to point others to Christ through our words, integrity, love, and service.
We all desire holiness and so, this is our common vocation. Our presence at prayer, especially in the Eucharistic celebration and our works of mercy, places us among those who seek the face of the living God. In the Eucharist, we celebrate our faith in Jesus Christ, whom we encounter in the Word, in the breaking of the Bread, and in the community of believers to whom we are sent to serve.
Let us therefore, celebrate the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ each day, and then go forth to enrich the lives of others with the light we have received through a smile, acts of love, charity, joy, peace, and harmony.
By: John C. Mubanga, M.Afr.