January 16, Second Sunday in Ordinary Time

Here am I, Lord; I come to do your will. — Psalm 40:8 and 9

Mass Readings: Isaiah 49:3,5-6 / 1 Corinthians 1:1-3 / John 1:29-34

Salvation for All 

Today’s readings show the Gospel breaking out to all the world. God’s salvation project was first limited to the chosen people. But Isaiah says there’s a bigger plan afoot: “I will make you a light to the nations, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth” (49:6). In the brief reading from 1 Corinthians, Paul addresses “all those everywhere who call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, their Lord and ours” (1:2). In the Gospel, John the Baptist points to Jesus, who brings salvation: “I have seen and testified that he is the Son of God” (John 1:34). 

They’re all talking about us. God’s promise through Isaiah is fulfilled in Jesus. We are the beneficiaries of this promise, along with all men and women everywhere who stand with Christ.

Prayer: Thank You, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, for giving light to my life.