2026/01/18 SCRIPTURE REFLECTION
Second Sunday of Ordinary Time
- Joanna Krynski, Communications Manager
In today’s Gospel, John the Baptist sees Jesus coming toward him and declares, “Behold, the Lamb of God.” With these words, John does something both simple and profound: he recognizes Jesus and names him for others. He does not offer a long explanation, nor does he present himself as someone who fully understands everything about who Jesus is. Instead, John bears witness to what has been revealed to him and helps others see who is standing among them.
One of the things that strikes me in this Gospel is how John humbly admits, twice, “I did not know him,” but by being attentive to and trusting the Spirit, he recognizes Jesus and is empowered to testify. John’s role reminds us that encounter often precedes understanding. He recognizes Jesus as the Lamb of God before fully grasping what that title will mean—before the Cross, before the Resurrection, before salvation history unfolds. His witness shows us that faith is not a matter of having everything figured out, but of being open to how God reveals Himself in time.
I reflect back to the theme we focused on this Advent: God is With Us – You Are Not Alone. We were reminded that God is already present and active in our lives even before we are fully aware of Him. Like John, we are invited to notice where God is at work and to name that presence—not perfectly or completely, but faithfully.
At home with my children, our evening prayer includes both traditional prayer as well as conversation with God. We review what happened that day, where there was joy, where there was struggle, what we would like to thank God for, where we ask for God’s support or guidance. In these moments, faith becomes less about explanation and more about relationship. Saying these things out loud helps us notice God’s presence in our ordinary moments. It is one of the ways I hope to help my children build a relationship with God—learning to recognize God’s care and to name it, even before fully understanding it.
Today’s Gospel also reminded me of a notable quote by St. Augustine: “Faith is to believe what you do not yet see; the reward of faith is to see what you believe.” John stands at that threshold—believing enough to recognize, and recognizing enough to witness. His example reassures us that faith grows through attentiveness and trust in God, even when clarity comes slowly.
May we, like John the Baptist, remain attentive to the Spirit’s movement, humble in our witness, and willing to point toward Christ when we recognize Him among us.