January 18, 2026 ・ 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time (A)

Isaiah 49.3,5-6・Psalm 40.2+4ab,6,10・ 1 Corinthians 1.1-3・John 1.29-34

On this 2^nd Sunday in Ordinary Time, we are being led to reflect on our individual vocation. It will be another beautiful thing if we will also be able to include pondering upon the vocation of every small and big families, and church/parish communities. We are at the same time being reminded that our individual and communal vocation must of course be well-founded in God`s salvific mission.

We have to understand first and foremost that God`s salvific mission is the mission of Jesus which includes bringing light to all nations, encouraging conversion of hearts, forgiving sins, baptizing through water and the spirit, healing, and bringing new life from human experience of death.

We also have to well recognize the existence of the church in the modern world, and understand as well her (the Church`) vocation. Today`s readings must be telling us that the mission of Jesus is the mission of the Church . We are then further being encouraged to trust in the Church from where the grace (the many graces) of God overflows.

We have models in the Church who have responded well to God`s calling. They are those who have been models of holiness, patience and endurance, fidelity to different kinds of commitments, and openness to the movement of the Holy Spirit.

Paul in our second reading today considers the people of Corinth as “holy and called”. Each one of us too is being called daily to respond to a particular vocation we are being made aware of. It is indeed through silence and prayer that awareness to a particular vocation comes about. And we aim to have more and better awareness of God`s calling so we can respond accordingly, and immediately. Being responsive to God`s call, or having a heart that is always ready (being able to immediately respond), is a sign of being a true faithful person who listens and obeys.

John the Baptist, in our gospel reading today, sees the Spirit in Jesus. He responded by accepting his vocation to participate in bringing peace, light and life to others. Let us continue to reflect today how we can immediately respond to God who calls us daily even if we seem to be too busy, and even when we find our day too idle.

May the promptings of the Holy Spirit enable us to immediately respond to God`s call. It may however God`s love, mercy and kindness that tell us to take time and take things slowly, and simply trust on God`s time for everything.