January 18, 2026: Second Sunday in Ordinary Time

Gospel: John 1:29-34

John the Baptist saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world. He is the one of whom I said, “A man is coming after me who ranks ahead of me because he existed before me.” I did not know him, but the reason why I came baptizing with water was that he might be made known to Israel.” John testified further, saying, “I saw the Spirit come down like a dove from heaven and remain upon him. I did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘On whomever you see the Spirit come down and remain, he is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’ Now I have seen and testified that he is the Son of God.”

Reflection

We have yet another reading today centering on John the Baptist. “What more can be said?” I asked myself. As I looked more closely at the reading and gave it further reflection, the subtle differences became clearer to me. Twice John says, “I did not know him.” Twice he states that his purpose was to make Jesus known as the Son of God.

Is this not the calling of each of us? To come to know Jesus more and more through daily prayer and recognizing his presence in the small, ordinary events of each day? And then to make him known to others we encounter along the way by our acts of kindness, compassion and solidarity with those who are hurting?

Action

Decide today what you will do to strengthen your prayer life and then resolve to do it each day this week. And perhaps longer?

Decide today how you will make Jesus known to others through an act of kindness each day this week. And perhaps longer?