Prepare the Way

Readings for Sunday, January 19 — Second Sunday in Ordinary Time

Isaiah 49:3,5-6; Psalm 40:2,4,7-10; 1 Corinthians 1:1-3; John 1:29-34 

Suggested Reflection Questions:

  • Isaiah shares God’s desire that the people of Israel — God’s people — not limit their understanding of themselves as merely servants.  They must be a light that draws all people to God’s saving love.  How does the Church act as a “light to the nations?” In what ways are we called to shine this light “to the ends of the earth?”
  • The psalmist sings of how he waited for God to hear his plea. God answered his longing and waiting by putting a new song in his mouth. What is the role of joy in the Christian life? Thinking of Pope Francis’ recent exhortation for us to remember the joy of the Gospel, what does a joyful Christian look like?
  • John the Baptist testifies that Jesus is the Son of God — the Lamb who takes away the sins of the world. John has been working tirelessly to prepare God’s people for Jesus’ coming. How can we imitate John in our daily lives? How are we called to prepare a way for Jesus?