2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A
Sunday January 18, 2026
Mass Readings for the 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A
- First Reading – Isaiah 49:3, 5-6: God calls Israel his servant, destined to bring back Jacob and be a light to all nations, spreading salvation everywhere.
- Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 40: I waited for the Lord, and he listened to me. He put a song in my mouth. He opened my ears to listen. I spoke of his justice.
- Second Reading – 1 Corinthians 1:1-3: Paul and Sosthenes greet the sanctified church in Corinth, wishing them grace and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
- Gospel – John 1:29-34: John the Baptist saw Jesus and identified him as the Lamb of God. He explained his mission to baptize and testified that he saw the Spirit descend on Jesus, affirming him as the Son of God.
Upcoming dates: January 18, 2026, January 14, 2029, January 18, 2032
On whomever you see the Spirit come down and remain, he is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.
John 1:33
Themes for the 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A
The 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A focuses on Jesus as the Lamb of God and the mission to spread God’s salvation. The readings show God’s call, the role of Jesus, and how people respond to him.
- Jesus as the Lamb of God: John the Baptist points to Jesus as the Lamb of God. This shows Jesus as the one who takes away sin and brings people back to God.
- God’s Call to Serve: God calls Israel to bring back the people and be a light to all nations. This reminds believers that God calls them to share his message with others.
- Salvation for All: God’s plan is not just for one group but for the whole world. Jesus brings salvation to everyone, not just to Israel.
- The Role of the Holy Spirit: John the Baptist sees the Spirit come down on Jesus. This confirms Jesus as the chosen one of God.
- Grace and Peace from God: Paul greets the church with a blessing of grace and peace. This reminds believers that God offers his help and peace to all who follow him.
- Witnessing to Jesus: John the Baptist tells others about Jesus. This shows the importance of sharing faith and pointing others to Jesus.
The 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A highlights Jesus’ mission and how people respond to him. The readings remind believers that they are called to follow Jesus and share his message with others.
Resources for the 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A
Sunday January 18, 2026
Litany of St. John the Baptist
The Litany of Saint John the Baptist is a prayer that honors his role in preparing the way for Jesus. It remembers his mission, his preaching, and his sacrifice. The repeated prayers ask for his help in growing closer to God. The 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A reminds believers that John pointed to Jesus as the Lamb of God. This prayer helps people follow his example by turning their hearts toward Christ.
The litany also teaches humility. John knew his purpose was to lead others to Jesus, not to seek attention for himself. He said that he must decrease so Jesus could increase. The 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A shares this message of putting Jesus first. The prayer encourages believers to focus on God’s plan and live with faith. By asking for St. John’s prayers, people seek the courage to follow Jesus as he did.
Baptism Word Search Puzzle
Baptism is the first step in the Christian life. It welcomes a person into God’s family and washes away original sin. The 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A reminds believers of Jesus as the Lamb of God, who takes away sin. Baptism is a sign of this cleansing and a new beginning in faith. Teaching children about baptism helps them understand its meaning and importance in their journey with God.
Symbols like holy water, a white gown, and a candle help explain baptism’s purpose. These remind people of purity, new life, and Christ’s light. The 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A encourages believers to follow Jesus, and baptism is where that journey starts. Learning about this sacrament, whether through prayer, discussion, or activities, helps children and families grow in faith. It is a joyful moment that unites them with the Church and God’s love.
Cry Out
The story of St. John the Baptist is important for understanding Jesus’ mission. The 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A reminds believers that John prepared the way for Christ. He spoke boldly about God’s message and called people to turn back to Him. His courage is an example for youth today, showing them that faith is not always easy but always worth sharing.
John’s mission did not end when Jesus arrived. The 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A shows that believers are still called to point others to Jesus. Youth can learn that their faith has a purpose and that they can make a difference. Like John, they can share God’s message in their own way, wherever they are. By trusting in God’s plan, they can live with courage and help others grow in faith.
Paper Plate Dove Craft
The Holy Spirit plays an important role in the gospel for the 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A. John the Baptist sees the Spirit come down on Jesus, showing that he is the one sent by God. A craft like a paper plate dove can help children learn about this moment in a fun way. The dove is a symbol of the Holy Spirit and reminds believers that God’s presence is with them.
The 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A teaches that Jesus is the Lamb of God, chosen to take away sin. The Holy Spirit helps guide believers to follow him. A simple craft can be a way for children to remember this message. It helps them think about how God leads them in their own lives. Learning about the Holy Spirit through activities can make faith more meaningful and encourage children to trust in God’s guidance.
Homilies and Commentaries for the 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A
Sunday January 18, 2026
Behold, the Lamb of God!
Bishop Barron explains that John the Baptist plays a key role in understanding Jesus. In the 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A, John calls Jesus the “Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.” Many people think this means Jesus is gentle, but John is pointing to something deeper. As the son of a priest, John knew about the temple sacrifices, where lambs were offered to take away sin. He is showing that Jesus is the true sacrifice who will save the world.
Jesus did not just come to teach or heal—he came to offer himself for others. Like a mechanic fixing a broken car, he enters into human sin and suffering to repair what is damaged. His sacrifice on the cross brings healing and redemption. The 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A reminds believers that Jesus’ mission is not just to guide people but to give his life so they can be free from sin.
Ordinary Time Is Anything But Ordinary
In his commentary for the 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A, Jeff Cavins explains that God’s plan goes beyond Israel. The Old Testament shows how God formed Israel to bring his message to the world. Isaiah speaks of Israel’s restoration, but God’s mission does not stop there. He wants salvation to reach all people. In the New Testament, Paul reminds believers that they are now part of God’s family. Like Israel, they are called to share the good news with others.
Jeff Cavins also reflects on John the Baptist calling Jesus the Lamb of God. Jesus is the one who brings salvation, not just to Israel but to all nations. The church continues this mission by spreading the message of Jesus. The 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A reminds believers that their faith is not just personal—it is meant to be shared. By uniting their struggles with Christ, they take part in God’s plan for the world.
Perfect Offering
Scott Hahn’s commentary for the 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A explains that Jesus was sent to lead a new exodus. In the first exodus, a lamb’s blood saved the Israelites. Now, Jesus is the true Lamb of God, offering himself as a sacrifice for the whole world. The sacrifices in the Old Testament could not take away sins, but they taught the people to give themselves to God. Jesus alone makes the perfect offering that restores people to God.
Scott Hahn also highlights that believers are called to join their lives to Jesus’ sacrifice. Through his offering, he opens the way for them to hear God’s call and live in holiness. The 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A reminds believers that they are made for worship. At Mass, they unite their sacrifices with Christ, offering their lives in love and obedience to God.
Reflection for the 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A
The 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A invites believers to reflect on who Jesus is and what his mission means. The readings show that Jesus is the Lamb of God, chosen by God and filled with the Spirit. They also remind people that God has a plan for each person from the very beginning. These themes encourage believers to trust in God’s call and to follow Jesus more closely.
The Spirit Rests on Jesus
The 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A continues the story of Jesus after his baptism. John the Baptist sees Jesus and tells the people that he is the Lamb of God. He also explains that he saw the Spirit come down on Jesus and remain with him. This was a sign that Jesus was the one sent by God.
The Spirit resting on Jesus shows that he is chosen for a special mission. He has come to bring people back to God. John was sent to prepare the way, but now his role is to point people to Jesus. He tells them that Jesus is greater than him because Jesus is the one who will save them.
John did not know who the Messiah would be at first. But God gave him a sign. The Spirit coming down on Jesus showed John that Jesus was the one. This moment confirmed everything John had been preaching.
The 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A reminds believers that Jesus was chosen and sent by God. He is not just another teacher or prophet. He is the Son of God, filled with the Spirit, ready to lead people to salvation.
Called in the Womb
The 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A includes a reading from Isaiah about God’s servant. The passage says that the servant was called from the womb. This means God had a plan for him before he was even born. The same idea is found in the reading from Paul. We were all chosen by God before birth to do his work.
This reminds people that life has meaning from the very beginning. Each person is known and loved by God before they are even born. No life is an accident. Everyone is part of God’s plan.
It can be hard to understand what God is calling someone to do. Even the prophets struggled at times. But the reading from Isaiah gives hope. It shows that God has a purpose for each person, even when life is difficult.
The 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A invites believers to think about their own call. God calls people in different ways, but he calls everyone to follow him. Like the servant in Isaiah, each person is meant to bring God’s light to the world.
The Lamb of God
The 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A focuses on John the Baptist’s words about Jesus. He calls Jesus the Lamb of God. This is an important title. It connects Jesus to the sacrifices of the Old Testament. The lamb was offered to take away sin. John is telling people that Jesus will be the sacrifice for them.
At Mass, the “Lamb of God” is prayed before Communion. This prayer is a reminder of what Jesus did. He gave his life so that people could be free from sin. He took on suffering so that others could have new life. His sacrifice shows how much God values each person.
Because Jesus is the Lamb of God, every human life has dignity. If Jesus gave his life for all people, then every life is important. The sick, the poor, the unborn, the elderly—every person matters to God.
The 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A calls believers to remember what Jesus has done. His sacrifice is not just something from the past. It is something that continues to bring people closer to God.
The 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A is a time to think about what it means to be called by God. Jesus was sent to bring salvation, and believers are also called to share his light. Reflecting on these readings can help deepen faith and strengthen the desire to follow Jesus.
Prayer
Lord, you sent Jesus as the Lamb of God to take away the sins of the world. Fill our hearts with your Spirit so we may follow him. Help us to listen to your call and trust in your plan. May we bring your light to others each day. Amen.
Reflection Questions for the 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A
- What does it mean to you that Jesus is the Lamb of God?
- How does the Spirit resting on Jesus help confirm his mission?
- What do you think it means to be called by God from the womb?
- How does knowing that God has a plan for you before birth affect how you see yourself?
- How can you bring God’s light to others in your daily life?
- In what ways does John the Baptist serve as a model for pointing others to Jesus?
- Why do you think John did not recognize Jesus as the Messiah at first?
- How does the prayer “Lamb of God” at Mass connect with Jesus’ sacrifice?
- How can remembering Jesus’ sacrifice change the way you treat others?
- What is one step you can take to follow God’s call more closely this week?
Quotes and Social Media Graphics for the 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A
Music Suggestions for the 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A
Sunday January 18, 2026
The music for the 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A focuses on themes of calling, mission, and following Jesus. Some songs highlight Jesus as the Lamb of God, who takes away sin and brings salvation. Others remind believers of their own call to serve and spread the Good News. There are also songs of joy and praise, celebrating God’s love and guidance. Music that speaks about light and renewal fits well with the readings, as Jesus is revealed as the one sent by God. These selections help people reflect on their faith and respond to God’s call.
- All Are Welcome, All Belong by Jesse Manibusan & Ken Canedo
- Come to the Water / I Will Run to You by John Foley & Matt Maher
- Here I Am Lord by Bob Hurd
- Here I Am Lord by Dan Schutte
- I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light by Kathleen Thomerson
- Jesus, Messiah by Chris Tomlin
- Let Heaven Rejoice by the St. Louis Jesuits
- Let Your Love Come Down by Josh Blakesley
- Love Is Here by Tenth Avenue North
- My Soul Rejoices by Jackie François
- On Jordan’s Bank
- Now We Remain by Romans
- Sing Out, Earth and Skies by Marty Haugen
- Sing to the Mountains by the St. Louis Jesuits
- Songs of Thankfulness and Praise by Jakob Hintze & Christopher Woodsworth
- The Glory of It All by David Crowder Band
- The Summons by John L Bell
- We Are Called by Gary Daigle
- You Have Anointed Me by Mike Balhoff, Gary Daigle & Darryl Ducote
- Your Grace Is Enough by Matt Maher
Music directors and musicians can use these selections to bring the message of the readings to life. Songs about Jesus’ mission and our call to follow him can inspire worshipers. If you have other song ideas that fit the themes of the 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A, share your suggestions in the comments!
Questions and Answers for the 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A
What date is the 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A?
The next date is Sunday January 18, 2026.
For other years see the links below:
2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B
2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C
What are the Mass readings for the 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A?
The Mass readings for Sunday January 18, 2026 are:
First Reading – Isaiah 49:3, 5-6: Israel, God’s Light to the Nations
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 40: Trusting God’s Will
Second Reading – 1 Corinthians 1:1-3: A Greeting to the Corinthians
Gospel – John 1:29-34: John the Baptist Testifies
What does it mean that Jesus is the Lamb of God?
John the Baptist calls Jesus the Lamb of God to show that he is the sacrifice who takes away sin. Just as lambs were offered in the temple, Jesus gives his life to bring people back to God.
Why does John the Baptist point to Jesus?
John was sent to prepare people for the Messiah. When he sees Jesus, he wants everyone to know that Jesus is the one sent by God to save them.
What is the mission of the servant in Isaiah?
The servant is chosen by God to bring people back to him. His mission is not only for Israel but for all nations.
How does the first reading connect to Jesus?
The reading speaks about someone called from the womb to bring salvation. This points to Jesus, who comes to gather all people to God.
What does Paul mean when he talks about being sanctified?
Paul reminds believers that they are set apart for God. They are called to live in holiness and share their faith with others.
How do the readings for the 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A help us understand Jesus’ mission?
They show that Jesus comes to bring people back to God. He is the Lamb of God, and his sacrifice opens the way for salvation.
What does the 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A teach about following Jesus?
It teaches that believers are called to recognize Jesus as the one who saves. They are also called to share his message with others.
Why do we say Lamb of God at Mass?
This prayer reminds believers of Jesus’ sacrifice. It connects them to his offering on the cross and prepares them to receive him in the Eucharist.
How can we live out the message of the 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A?
Believers can follow Jesus by trusting in him, turning away from sin, and sharing their faith. They can also offer their struggles to God, uniting them with Jesus’ sacrifice.
What does it mean to offer our lives as a sacrifice?
It means living for God in daily life. This includes prayer, helping others, and choosing what is right even when it is hard.
How does the Holy Spirit play a role in these readings?
The Spirit comes down on Jesus to show that he is chosen by God. The Spirit also helps believers follow Jesus and live as God calls them to.
What can we learn from John the Baptist’s example?
John points others to Jesus instead of seeking attention for himself. This teaches believers to focus on Jesus and lead others to him.
Jesus the Lamb of God
The 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A focuses on Jesus as the Lamb of God. John the Baptist sees Jesus and tells others that he is the one sent by God. He also explains that the Holy Spirit came down on Jesus, showing that he is the Son of God.
The first reading talks about God calling his people to bring others back to him. God wants his message to reach all nations. This connects with Jesus’ mission to bring salvation to everyone, not just to Israel.
In the second reading, Paul greets the church in Corinth and reminds them that they are called to follow Jesus. He prays for them to have grace and peace from God. These words encourage all believers to trust in God’s help and to live as his people.
The 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A reminds believers that Jesus is the one who takes away sin. It also shows that people are called to share their faith and bring others to God.
Your Turn
The readings for the 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A show the mission of Jesus and the call to follow him. They remind believers to look to Jesus as the Lamb of God and to share their faith with others.
Take some time to think about these readings. How do they speak to your own life? Share your thoughts in the comments and join the conversation.
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