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Contents: Volume 2 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time 1/18/2026
1. -- Lanie LeBlanc OP -2. -- 3. --
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****************************************************** The readings for this Second Sunday in Ordinary Time are relatively short, but they contain important concepts for we Christians of today. Both the first and second selections remind us that, from God’s perspective, the message and graces of salvation reach “to the ends of the earth” and “to all those everywhere”. God’s beyond generous offer of inclusivity and equality is what really counts in the end, not anyone else’s personal inclination or desire.
The Gospel reading is John the Baptist’s strong personal testimony about Jesus, given the next day after John first reluctantly baptized Jesus. To John, Jesus is the Son of God, period. John reflected on what he (John) did and then that he saw the dove descending on Jesus as God told John would happen.
To me, a very important part here is John’s taking the time to reflect on the previous day’s events. We do not know a lot about John, but his prayerful reflection while in the desert and while he was engaged in baptizing with water seems like a likely habit. His prayer life, if you will, enabled John to connect the dots when he saw Jesus again.
Life in 2026 is significantly more complicated and busier than “way back when” in John’s time. I wonder how often I have not “connected the dots” when an important line straight to Jesus was right there in front of me! Have I missed important signs that would have pointed me to the very Person of Jesus when I was confused or doubted or just too busy to make seeking Jesus the priority?
If it is Jesus and what Jesus did that I should be following as a Christian, have I been swayed by other easier to follow concepts than straightforward commands such as inclusivity and forgiveness? Am I more comfortable with less challenging concepts that are, in truth, watered- down Christianity? Personally, I think that this “ordinary” time before Lent is a good time to slow down and reflect upon what is going on in 2026 and determine what aligns with or flies in the face of authentic Christianity lived by Jesus.
A former Dominican pastor once said that if you leave Mass not feeling uncomfortable, you haven’t been listening! We do need to listen, whether the readings are short or long, convenient to hear or not, or the homily is to our liking or not, for whatever reason. Let us follow the example of Jesus and John the Baptist and all commit to more prayer time and reflection.
Blessings, Dr. Lanie LeBlanc OP Southern Dominican Laity
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****************************************************** ****************************************************** 4. ****************************************************** ****************************************************** 5. ****************************************************** Volume 2 is for you. These reflections follow the Liturgical Calendar and appear here about mid week each week. They are written by various guest authors. If you would like to submit a reflection of your own, then click here to send an email request to post to the Webmaster. Deadline is Monday morning of each week for the upcoming Sunday.
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A service of The Order of Preachers,
The Dominicans. (form revised 10/13/2025) |
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