GOSPEL MEDITATION - ENCOURAGE DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF SCRIPTURE

January 18, 2026

2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time

John 1:29-34

It’s common to hear belief in Jesus and the Church mocked as blind faith and credulity. But in reality, it is deeply human and rational. Think about it: we rely on the testimony of others constantly. I trust chemists who certify the safety of toothpaste and cleaning products. I trust engineers when I use a microwave or drive over a bridge. Why? Because they have studied and seen what I have not, and their testimony proves itself in daily life. That kind of trust is not irrational; it is how human knowledge works.

In today’s Gospel, John the Baptist declares: “Now I have seen and testified that he is the Son of God” (John 1:34). That is the language of an eyewitness. It invites us into a very human act: trusting someone who has directly encountered something — or Someone — we have not yet fully seen ourselves.

The Church’s faith is built on this kind of reliable sight-based testimony. The Apostles did not make abstract claims. They saw, followed, suffered for, and proclaimed Jesus Christ. Over centuries, their witness — carried in Scripture, in the lives of the saints, and in the sacramental life of the Church — has proven dependable. We come to know its truth by assenting to it, by living and studying it, praying with it, trusting it.

Faith in Christ is not a childish leap into the dark. It is a step into the light of testimony that proves itself over time.

— Father John Muir

(PRACTICING) CATHOLIC - RECOGNIZE GOD IN YOUR ORDINARY MOMENTS

By Colleen Jurkiewicz Dorman



Usually, when God comes to us, we aren’t ready.

We think we are. Like John the Baptist, we stand in our waters of baptism, certain of our mission. We know how it’s going to go. We know what’s going to be asked of us. We’re sure of it.

Christ wades into the waters. And he screws up all our plans.

To be clear, I don’t think John the Baptist lacks faith when he balks at the idea of baptizing Jesus. I think it is, in fact, a testament to his humility. But whatever motivated John’s actions, he is — if even for a brief moment — hesitating to do the will of God. Just a few chapters after this in the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus will acknowledge that John is the greatest person “born of women” — with the caveat that even he is not perfect enough for the Kingdom of Heaven.

Not yet.

Jesus didn’t give John an explanation as the two stood in the River Jordan. He merely said, “Allow it for now.” John could have resisted further, demanding to understand why. He could have grown suspicious at the simplicity of Jesus’ answer, at the strangeness of this request. He could have clung desperately to his version of How Things Are Supposed To Be, and in doing so, fostered doubt in his heart. He could have even stormed off, confused and angry.

He did none of these things, because John is, as Jesus says, the greatest born of women.

When the Holy Spirit descends and the voice of God declares, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased,” he is referring, of course, to Jesus. But I think He would say the same of John the Baptist — and of all those who welcome Jesus into the waters, ready to do as he bids.

PRAYER – FOR EVERYDAY AND EVERYBODY

Blessing of the Beloved

Dear God,

Bless and anoint us today. You are our Father and guide.

Remind us of our identity in You:

loved, called, and equipped for mission.

Bless us as we journey, giving us strength for each day and grace in each step.

Amen.