January 18, 2026
Second Sunday after Epiphany
Introduction
Today’s gospel opens with further reflection on Jesus’ baptism. He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world and the one anointed by the Spirit. In the liturgy we come and see Christ revealed among us in word and meal. We go forth to invite others to come and worship the Holy One and to receive the gifts of grace and peace made known among us.
Lessons
Isaiah 49:1-7
The servant brings light to the nations
Psalm 40:1-11
I love to do your will, O my God. (Ps. 40:8)
1 Corinthians 1:1-9
Paul’s greeting to the church at Corinth
John 1:29-42
Revelation of Christ as the Lamb of God
Hymns:
302 As With Gladness Men of Old
579 Lord. You Give the Great Commission
866 We Are Marching In the Light of God
Anthem:
O Lamb of God- R. Shephard
Communion Hymns:
336 Lamb of God
312 Jesus Come! For We Invite You
800 Spirit of God Descend Upon My Heart
Commentary
Seeing and Telling Who Jesus Is
The time after Epiphany is the church’s time to invite us to come and see who this one born in a manger will be, and to discover what this one born to a young woman might mean for us and for the world. Today’s gospel tells us that Jesus is the “Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world,” “the Son of God,” and “the Messiah.” These appellations show us that the coming of Jesus has meaning not just for those who follow him, but for all people and all the world. In the gospel, neither John nor Andrew can contain their testimony about who Jesus is. They have had an encounter with Christ that has had such an impact on their lives that they cannot help but tell others about it. John tells his disciples and everyone else within earshot about Jesus. Andrew runs to find his brother, Peter, and brings him to Jesus so that Peter might have the same life-changing encounter he himself has experienced.
We are invited to “come and see” who Jesus is. We are reminded that God’s forgiveness and love proclaimed in Jesus Christ is meant to be good news for us and for all people. As we encounter Christ, our lives are changed. Like John and Andrew in today’s gospel, we are called to share with others who we have seen Jesus to be.
Epiphany Prayer
O Lord we ask your blessing upon our homes and families. Help us to live lives of witness and service.
O God, by the leading of a star you manifested your only Son to the peoples of the earth: Lead us, who know you now by faith, to your presence, where we may see your glory face to face;
May we, like the Magi, go home by another way. Having encountered the holy, help us to protect it and guard it. Tr
We pray our lives reflect your light day by day, as we seek to serve where you have placed us. That we might be the means through which others can encounter Jesus Christ.
Help us, who are baptized into the fellowship of Christ's Body, to live and work to your praise and glory; may we grow together in unity and love until at last, in your new creation, we enter into our heritage.
Amen