Mass Readings for the 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B
- First Reading - 1 Samuel 3:3B-10, 19: In the temple, young Samuel hears the Lord's voice thrice but confuses it for Eli. Eli recognizes the divine call and advises Samuel to respond, "Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening." Samuel obeys, and from then on, he grows in God's presence, with his words carrying significance.
- Responsorial Psalm - Psalm 40: With patient anticipation, I waited for the Lord. He inclined to my plea, gracing me with a new song of praise. I offer not sacrifices, but an open ear to obey. In the scroll, it's written—my joy is in fulfilling Your will, and Your law resides within my heart. I proclaim Your righteousness boldly, my lips unbridled in the assembly.
- Second Reading - 1 Corinthians 6:13C-15A, 17-20: Remember, our bodies are meant for the Lord, a temple of the Holy Spirit. United with Christ, we must avoid immorality, as it dishonors both ourselves and God. We were bought at a cost, so let's honor Him in our bodies.
- Gospel - John 1:35-42: John the Baptist points out Jesus as the Lamb of God. Two of his disciples decide to follow Jesus, and he invites them to see where he stays. Andrew, one of the disciples, excitedly tells his brother Simon Peter that they've found the Messiah, and Jesus gives Peter a new name, Cephas (Peter).
The two disciples heard what he said and followed Jesus. Jesus turned and saw them following him and said to them, “What are you looking for?”
John 1:37-38
Themes for the 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B
The readings for the 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B invite us to hear God calling and to respond. In the first reading, God calls to Samuel and he replies. The psalm speaks of waiting for the Lord and answering. . The Gospel tells of the call of the first apostles.
- Discipleship and Following: The theme of discipleship and following Jesus is evident as John the Baptist's disciples choose to follow Jesus after his testimony. This highlights the transformative power of encountering Jesus.
- Messiah and Recognition: The recognition of Jesus as the Messiah is a central theme as Andrew proclaims, "We have found the Messiah." This emphasizes the pivotal moment when individuals recognize Jesus' divine identity.
- Invitation and Relationship: Jesus' invitation to "come and see" underscores the theme of forming a personal relationship. This highlights the importance of encountering Jesus firsthand and developing a personal connection.
- Name Change and Identity: The theme of name change and identity emerges as Jesus renames Simon to Cephas (Peter), which means "rock." This symbolizes Peter's future role and underscores the transformative impact of encountering Jesus.
- Personal Testimony: Andrew's excited testimony to his brother Simon introduces the theme of personal testimony. This highlights the significance of sharing one's personal experiences with Jesus to invite others into a relationship with Him.
- Response to Jesus' Call: Simon's immediate response to Jesus' call showcases the theme of obedience. His willingness to leave his nets and follow Jesus reflects the radical nature of responding to Jesus' call.
See the Homilies and Reflections section and the More Thoughts section for further expansion on these readings and some reflection questions for the 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B.
Resources for the 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B
Sunday January 17, 2027
Tick-Tock the Crocodile Hunt Game
Noisy Circle – A Listening Game
Lectio Divina
The readings for the 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B emphasize listening for God's voice. Lectio Divina, meaning “divine reading”, is a prayer practice that trusts God communicates through scripture. Flexible and guided by the Holy Spirit, it can be tailored to family or youth ministry needs. The key is to hear God's voice in scripture.
Tick-Tock the Crocodile Hunt Game
The 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B readings focus on listening. Play the engaging "Tick-Tock the Crocodile Hunt Game," inspired by the Disney tale of Captain Hook. It's a fun activity that encourages attentive listening and adds excitement to the theme of the readings.
Noisy Circle – A Listening Game
On the 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B, the readings highlight the theme of listening. Amid the noise and distractions of our world, a game like "Noisy Circle Listening Game" can teach youth the importance of focused listening. The game reflects the challenge of hearing above the din, mirroring the effort needed to discern God's voice amidst competing distractions. In the game, participants stand in a circle, talking to their distant partners about a topic. The resulting noise simulates the challenge of attentive listening. Reflection questions encourage thought about reducing life's noise to hear God clearly, acknowledging that it takes practice and effort to discern His voice amid life's clamor.
What Are You Looking For? A Lesson Plan on Desires
On the 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B, the gospel of John 1:35-42 presents John the Baptist pointing out Jesus as the Lamb of God, leading two disciples to follow Him. Andrew excitedly tells his brother Simon Peter about finding the Messiah, and Jesus renames Peter. The lesson plan "What Are You Looking For" explores Jesus' question to the disciples, prompting reflection on their desires and motivations. The lesson helps participants evaluate where their hearts truly lie by considering daily priorities, passions, and aspirations. It encourages aligning personal gifts with building the Kingdom of God, emphasizing individuality in discipleship.
Resources and Reflections for the Gospel of John
The Gospel reading for the 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B, John 1:35-42, opens a window into the divinity of Jesus, a pivotal theme in John's Gospel. This passage, where John the Baptist identifies Jesus as the "Lamb of God," and Andrew recognizes Him as the Messiah, invites us into a profound understanding of Jesus' divine nature. John's Gospel consistently emphasizes the necessity of believing in Jesus for eternal life, highlighting the Eucharist's central role in Catholic worship and the imperative of love in Christian ethics. As Catholics, engaging deeply with these themes helps us grow closer to God and spread His love, embodying the core of our faith.
Homilies and Reflections for the 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B
Sunday January 17, 2027
Answering God's Call
Jeff Cavins reflects on the readings for the 2nd Sunday of Ordinary Time Year B. He delves into the theme of God's call and how it manifests in our lives. Drawing from the stories of Samuel's call and Jesus' choosing of disciples, he explores how we can often mistake God's voice for our own thoughts or coincidences. Cavins encourages us to prepare ourselves to hear God's voice through practices like reading the Bible and practicing lectio divina. He emphasizes the importance of discerning God's call, both in major decisions and daily tasks, and stepping out in obedience when we recognize it.
Hearing the Call
In this reflection for the 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B, Scott Hahn points out that the readings focus on the willingness of Samuel and John's disciples to hear God's call and act on it. By being attentive and open, they not only found their own paths but also led others to recognize and follow God.
God Raises Up His Prophets
In this homily for the 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B, Bishop Robert Barron discusses the story of Samuel, a young boy who hears God's call and becomes a great prophet, even amidst corruption and spiritual decline in his community. The message emphasizes that despite difficulties and imperfections in religious institutions, God still raises up influential figures to guide people towards spiritual growth.
More Thoughts for the 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B
Curiosity to Identity
In the gospel for the 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B, two of John the Baptist's disciples, upon hearing him call Jesus the "Lamb of God," start following Jesus. Jesus notices their presence and asks them, "What are you looking for?" They inquire where He is staying, to which He responds, "Come, and you will see." After spending time with Jesus, one of the disciples, Andrew, brings his brother Simon to meet Jesus. Jesus recognizes Simon as "Peter."
This passage highlights the power of personal encounters with Jesus. The disciples' decision to follow Jesus begins with curiosity and leads to a deeper understanding of His identity. Andrew's enthusiasm in sharing his discovery with Simon emphasizes the transformative impact of encountering Christ. Just as Jesus knew Peter's true identity, He knows each of us intimately.
This reading reminds us that encountering Jesus is a journey of discovery. It invites us to approach Him with openness, to spend time with Him, and to share the transformative joy of His presence with others. Like Peter, our encounter with Christ can lead to a new identity and a purposeful life of discipleship.
A Listening Heart
The 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B centers on the theme of recognizing and answering God's summons. In 1 Samuel 3:3B-10, the young prophet Samuel perceives God's beckoning during his slumber. Upon waking, he acknowledges, "I'm listening." This serves as a divine awakening.
Samuel's readiness to heed God's call sets an example for us today. In our daily lives, we might not encounter such direct divine communication, yet we're often faced with opportunities to listen and respond to God's guidance. Just as Samuel displayed attentiveness, we can cultivate an open heart to God's nudges.
This passage invites us to reflect on how we engage with God's invitations in our routines. Our response doesn't have to be grand or complex; a simple act of acknowledging and seeking to understand God's will can set us on a meaningful path. This story isn't about flashy revelations but about the willingness to be receptive to God's messages.
In our modern world, noise and distractions can cloud our ability to hear God's call. Samuel's story reminds us to create moments of stillness, even in our busy lives, to discern God's voice. As we contemplate this narrative, let's consider how we can adopt Samuel's attitude of attentiveness, responding with a humble "I'm listening" whenever God reaches out to us.
Embracing Purpose
Paul's message in the second reading for the 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B is clear: our bodies aren't meant for immorality, but for honoring the Lord. This concept might seem pushy to some in the West. Paul asserts that just as God raised Jesus, that same power will raise us too.
The idea is that we're not separate from God; our bodies are members of Christ when we're joined with the Lord. Immorality is cautioned against, as it's a sin against our own bodies. Your body, Paul reminds, is a temple of the Holy Spirit given by God.
It's a reality check: we're not our own masters. We've been bought with a price – a divine one. So, our lives should glorify God. This stance isn't about rigid labels; it recognizes that God's mystery is intertwined with our history.
Paul isn't forcefully claiming humanity; he's highlighting a purposeful connection. Christianity isn't just about rules; it's about finding divine meaning in our everyday lives. God's involvement in humanity adds purpose to our journey. The message isn't overly sentimental; it's about acknowledging the significance of our existence.
Reflection Questions for the 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B
- How does encountering Jesus personally impact the disciples in the Gospel passage?
- What role does curiosity play in the disciples' decision to follow Jesus?
- How does Andrew's enthusiasm emphasize the transformative effect of encountering Christ?
- How can we approach Jesus, spend time with Him, and share His presence joyfully?
- How does Jesus' knowledge of Peter's identity relate to our own relationship with Christ?
- How does Samuel's readiness to respond to God's call set an example for us?
- In what ways can we cultivate an open heart to God's guidance in our daily lives?
- How does Paul emphasize the purpose of our bodies in honoring the Lord?
- What connection does Paul make between Jesus' resurrection and our future resurrection?
- How does Paul's message about our bodies being temples of the Holy Spirit relate to finding divine meaning in everyday existence?
Quotes and Social Media Graphics for the 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B
If you use the images below in any form, you must provide attribution to young-catholics.com. See details.
Speak, for your servant is listening.
1 Samuel 3:10
Music Suggestions for the 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B
Sunday January 17, 2027
For the 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B, consider music that echoes the themes of discipleship, recognition of Jesus as the Messiah, and the transformative power of encountering Him. Select hymns that capture the essence of following Jesus, like "Here I Am, Lord," which resonate with the disciples' decision to follow Christ. To emphasize Jesus as the Messiah, "Behold the Lamb of God" is fitting. Reflect the theme of invitation and relationship and underline the significance of personal testimony and the response to Jesus' call. These choices will enrich the liturgical experience, highlighting key messages of this Sunday.
Frequently Asked Questions for the 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B
What date is the 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B?
The next date is Sunday January 17, 2027.
For other years see the links below:
2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A: Sunday January 18, 2026
2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C: Sunday January 19, 2025
What are the Mass readings for the 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B?
The Mass readings for Sunday January 17, 2027 are:
First Reading - 1 Samuel 3:3B-10, 19: The Call of Samuel
Responsorial Psalm - Psalm 40: A Responsive Heart
Second Reading - 1 Corinthians 6:13C-15A, 17-20: Honoring God with Your Body
Gospel - John 1:35-42: Disciples Respond to the Call
What Are the themes for the Mass readings for the 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B?
The gospel for for the 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B, John 1:35-42, encourages us to respond to Jesus' invitation, develop a personal relationship with Him, and share our experiences with others to draw them into His transformative grace.
Why does Samuel initially fail to recognize God's call in the First Reading for the 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B (1 Samuel 3:3B-10, 19)?
Samuel is young and inexperienced in recognizing divine calls. He mistakes God's voice for that of Eli, the priest he serves.
What is Eli's role in helping Samuel hear God's call in the First Reading for the 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B (1 Samuel 3:3B-10, 19)?
Eli recognizes that Samuel is hearing a divine call. He advises Samuel to respond with, "Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening," guiding him in how to answer God.
What does the psalmist consider more important than sacrifices in the Responsorial Psalm for the 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B (Psalm 40)?
The psalmist places greater emphasis on listening and obedience to God's will rather than offering physical sacrifices.
What is the significance of the body according to the Second Reading for the 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B (1 Corinthians 6:13C-15A, 17-20)?
The body is considered a temple of the Holy Spirit and should be treated with respect. Immorality dishonors both oneself and God.
How does the Second Reading for the 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B (1 Corinthians 6:13C-15A, 17-20) connect with the concept of sacrifice?
The reading suggests that the sacrifice pleasing to God is living in a way that honors Him, tying back to the psalm's theme of obedience over physical sacrifice.
Why does John the Baptist point out Jesus in the Gospel for the 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B (John 1:35-42)?
John identifies Jesus as the Lamb of God, signaling that Jesus is the one who will take away the sins of the world.
What happens when Andrew and another disciple decide to follow Jesus in the Gospel for the 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B (John 1:35-42)?
They are invited by Jesus to see where he stays, emphasizing Jesus' openness and invitation to relationship.
Why does Jesus give Simon a new name in the Gospel for the 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B (John 1:35-42)?
The new name, Cephas (Peter), symbolizes a new identity and role that Peter will have in the formation of the Church.
How do these readings for the 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B connect thematically?
All readings focus on listening and responding to divine guidance. From Samuel's call to the psalmist's obedience, to the Corinthians' moral responsibilities, and finally to the disciples recognizing Jesus, the emphasis is on attentive and obedient listening.
What lessons can be drawn for everyday life from readings for the 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B?
Listening to discern the right course of action is crucial. Whether it's in spiritual matters, personal relationships, or ethical decisions, being attentive and responsive can lead to fulfilling and responsible lives.
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