Listening to the Voice of God - Pointing at the Right Messiah

02nd Sunday in Ordinary Time: 18 January 2026

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

Lamb of God by Domenichino
 To listen to my audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/6zRJ2JmF5NU

The world in which we live is quite big, and so are the complexities that affect our lives. Navigating and finding the right solutions and the right people to guide us is often difficult and challenging. People often point out at others as the right gurus or leaders, but unfortunately, they are not. The wickedness and evil are everywhere, and these people confirm that they are the ones. Even believing someone has become very tough today. Trust is the problem. There is no clarity, credibility, courage, or straightforwardness among these people. In this context, often we are left alone to find our way or marga. As we reflect on this dimension of right people and right time, the liturgical reading on this 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time is not only marvellous, but also we find Jesus, even John the Baptist, pointing at him as Messiah, the Saviour whom the Israelites waited for so long. In fact, he is the greatest prophet of all time, John the Baptist, who points at Jesus and says that he is the right one.

1. Jesus: Behold, the Lamb of God

Standing on the quiet banks of the river Jordan, where John the Baptist works, not as a performer of wonders, but as a witness overwhelmed by what he sees. John does not say, “Here is a wise teacher” or “Here is a holy man,” but “the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.” In John 1:29–34, there is no thunder, no crowd reaction recorded, no dramatic conversion scene. And yet, what unfolds is one of the most awe-filled moments in the Gospel: a human being recognizing God standing before him.

John does not say, look at me. He says, behold Him. He points at Jesus! Awe always begins when attention shifts away from the self and rests upon the mystery of God. John’s words are not an explanation; they are an invitation to contemplation. The Lamb stands there in silence, carrying within himself the weight of the world’s brokenness. He has not yet spoken, healed, or taught—yet John already sees his mission: to take away the sin of the world. Awe arises not from what Jesus does, but from who He is.​

2. Boldness: Points at the right person as Prophet

John the Baptist confesses something deeply humbling: “I did not know him.” This is startling. If anyone should have recognized Jesus, it was John—his relative, the prophet, the forerunner. Yet he admits that recognition was not automatic. It was a tough decision. God cannot be grasped by familiarity, status, or even religious proximity. Revelation is always a gift. Think of every injustice, every secret shame, every cruelty and betrayal that scars this world; this is the world into which the Lamb of God walks, and whose weight He chooses to carry.

The sign given to John is simple and profound: the Spirit descending and remaining upon Jesus. Not rushing, not flashing, but remaining. This is a God who chooses to dwell. The awe here is gentle yet overwhelming: the eternal Spirit resting upon a human life, heaven making its home on earth. In Jesus, God does not merely visit humanity; God abides with us. The sacred is no longer distant. It stands among us, breathing, waiting, inviting. Each person’s darkest failures are redeemable. ​

3. Witness: Testimony to the Truth

John’s final testimony is not emotional, but absolute: “Now I have seen and testified that he is the Son of God.” Awe does not always shout; sometimes it kneels in quiet certainty. John fades from the center so that Christ may stand revealed. True spiritual awe does not seek applause or recognition—it points, witnesses, and steps aside.

This Gospel leaves us with a holy question, not spoken but felt: Do we recognize the Lamb of God when He passes through our ordinary days? In the Eucharist, in the poor, in moments of suffering and silence, Christ still stands among us—often unnoticed, often underestimated. On this Sunday, we are not invited to do more, but to see more deeply. In fact, we are asked to allow God to surprise us when we stop trying to define Him and instead let Him reveal Himself.

Questions for self-reflection:

1. What usually captures my attention more than the presence of God?
2. Do I recognize Jesus as the Lamb who takes away sin, including my own?
3. What sins, burdens, or wounds do I still hesitate to place before God?
4. Am I attentive to God’s quiet, abiding presence rather than only dramatic moments?

Prayer:

Lord our God, you come to us quietly, standing in the midst of our ordinary lives, often unnoticed and unacknowledged. Open our eyes to behold you with reverence and wonder, and soften our hearts to recognize your gentle presence. Take away the sin that burdens us, the fears we carry, and the pride that blinds us. Let your Spirit remain with us, shaping our thoughts, our choices, and our desires. Teach us the humility to step aside so that your life may be revealed through ours. Draw us into a deeper awe of your mystery, that in silence and trust we may confess with our lives that you are truly the Son of God. We make this prayer in Jesus' Holy Name, Amen.

- Fr Olvin Veigas, SJ

E-mail: olvinveigas@jesuits.net

Blog: Celebrate Faith

Video: YouTube

15 January 2026

Baptism of Jesus - Immersing Oneself into the Reality of this World

The Baptism of the Lord: Sunday 11 January 2026

Readings: Isaiah 42:1–4, 6–7; Psalm 29:1–4, 9–10; Acts 10:34–38; Matthew 3:13–17

The painting by Jan van Scorel on the Baptism of Christ
 To listen to my audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/fompCshra8k

The greatness of the great people is known more by their deeds than their words. They embody a sense of humility and kindness. They are ready to become low in order to make others great. They are always at work with people, bringing mercy and compassion. They are a beacon of hope to the hopeless, courage to the fearful, and consolation to those inconsolable. They nurture a sense of Godliness and holiness. They are those whom we like them to be around. Their presence itself is grace. They bring so much joy and peace. Without them, we feel empty, or something is missing. They lead people to God. They are fearless and ready to die for the cause they hold so dear. Words like "lies" or "laziness" are not in their dictionaries. They speak for God and offer their lives to God and God alone. They speak the truth and work towards justice. As we celebrate the feast of the Baptism of the Lord Jesus Christ, we have beautiful liturgical readings. We see John the Baptist and Jesus, the men of God, ready to be embraced by the Spirit of God at a very important moment of their lives. The courage and humility that we see in both of them are truly inspiring as we still feel the warmth of the New Year 2026. 

1. Baptism of Jesus - Being in Solidarity with others. 

On this Sunday, as the Church celebrates the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, the Gospel of Matthew (3:13–17) invites us to stand on the banks of the river Jordan and contemplate a profound mystery. Jesus, the sinless One, the Son of God, the God-Man steps into the waters of repentance. He does not need baptism, yet He chooses it. In doing so, He enters fully into the human condition and sanctifies the waters of our lives.

Epiphany of the Lord - Called to Proclaim with Credibility

The Feast of the Epiphany of the Lord: January 04, 2026

Readings: Isaiah 60:1–6; Psalm 72:1–2, 7–8, 10–13; Ephesians 3:2–3, 5–6; Matthew 2:1–12

The Nativity of Christ by  Franz von Rohden
 To listen to my audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/Bdcd3_gjHpY

As we start the new year 2026, we are very much in the Season of Christmas. The joy of this season still permeates around us. We are also joyful as we say goodbye to the year 2025 and welcome the year 2026. We are hopeful that this new year brings us glad tidings and beautiful things in our lives. With such hope and earnestness, we begin our journey of life this year. Liturgically, we are celebrating today the feast of the Epiphany, which is also called the manifestation of the Lord to others. It is celebrated as the visit of the three Kings or Magi to the baby Jesus. The liturgical readings of today invite us look at the simplicity and trust of these three kings or representatives of the wider world and embrace the Son of God wholeheartedly. 

1. Always, there is a deeper yearning for God

The Feast of the Epiphany invites us to contemplate a God who reveals Himself gently and lovingly to all who search for truth. In the story of the Magi, we see a God who does not impose Himself through power or force, but who attracts the human heart through a star, a journey, and a humble child lying in a manger. The Magi remind us that faith is born from a deep longing and yearning — a longing to discover meaning, to seek light, and to encounter God. They did not reach Bethlehem by accident; they allowed the restlessness of their hearts to lead them forward. They looked beyond themselves, beyond comfort and certainty, and trusted the signs God placed before them.