THE LIGHT OF THE NATIONS

II SUNDAY OF THE YEAR: Is 49:3,5-6

The topic of the universality of salvation, meaning that salvation is offered to all, appears many times and in different ways.

Paul stresses that the mystery of God's plan of salvation was hidden in past generations, being revealed only with the coming of Jesus Christ (Ro 16:25-26): the pland "that the Gentiles have become fellow heirs, members of the same body, and sharers in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel" (Ep 3:6). One does not have to become a member of the people of Israel; all that is needed is to believe in Jesus Christ and to walk in his footsteps.

However, much before the coming of Jesus Christ, prophets like Isaiah, had already hinted quite clearly at the universality of God's call and his offer of salvation. Speaking about the role of the Messiah, he wrote:

"It is not enough for you to be my servant,

to restore the tribes of Jacob 

and bring back the survivors of Israel;

I will make you the light of the nations

so that my salvation may reach 

to the ends of the earth.” - Is 49:6

John the Baptist was well aware of this universal role of Christ, when he pointed him to his own disciples as "the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world." (Jn 1:29). He came to reconcile with God, not only the people of Israel, but the whole of humanity.

Nowadays, many people like to stress the personal relationship with Jesus, declaring that he is "my personal saviour". Indeed, he is. However, it is interesting that we don't find that expression in the Bible. Instead, Jesus is proclaimed as "the Saviour of the world" (Jn 4:42), making it very clear that my salvation is connected with and dependent on the salvation of all the others. We are not saved individually, but in community. And being guided by an individualistic attitude, I may easily ignore the others, thus putting in danger my own salvation.