2ND SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIMES 18TH JANUARY 2026

 “Behold the Lamb of God: A Call to Mission and Witness”

The readings of this Sunday draw our attention to the identity and mission of Jesus as revealed to

 the world. In the Gospel of John, John the Baptist publicly identifies Jesus as “the Lamb of God

 who takes away the sin of the world.” This title is rich with meaning: Jesus is the sacrificial Lamb

who brings liberation from sin, echoing the Passover, and the Servant who bears humanity’s

brokenness with meekness and love. John’s testimony is not on personal closeness but on

divine revelation—he recognises Jesus because the Spirit descends and remains upon him. This

moment teaches us that faith begins with recognition: seeing Christ not merely as a historical

 figure, but as the one sent by God for the salvation of all.

The first reading from Isaiah and the greeting of Saint Paul expand this revelation into a call.

God’s servant is chosen not only to restore Israel but also to be “a light to the nations,” revealing

God’s saving power to the ends of the earth. Likewise, Paul reminds the Corinthians that they are to

 be holy, enriched by God’s grace, and united in Christ. Together, these readings affirm

that encountering the Lamb of God necessarily leads to mission. Those who recognise Christ sent

to witness to him—not by loud proclamations alone, but through lives shaped by holiness,

humility, and service.

 The Church, nourished by Christ, becomes the place where the Lamb is still pointed out to a

 searching   world. Therefore, dear people of God, today we are invited to deeply reflect on the

 true discipleship that begins with recognising who Jesus truly is: the Lamb of God and Saviour of

the world. Secondly, that God’s plan of salvation is universal; so faith must always open outward

 in mission, not close inward in comfort. St. Paul reminds us that holiness is a shared calling rooted

 in grace, not personal perfection. As John the Baptist tells us, as Christians, we are called to witness

to Christ by directing attention away from ourselves but toward him. Therefore, may the almighty

 God bless us all and give us the grace to be able to recognise and point out to him!

                                        Fr. Emmanuel Nsereko CSSp.