My Catholic Sunday Notebook

  The Feast of the Santo Niño celebrates the Child Jesus as both a vulnerable infant and the Sovereign Lord. The readings for January 18, 2026, offer a profound meditation on the paradox of divine majesty revealed in childhood. Common Themes in the Readings The Light in Darkness (Isaiah 9:1-6): The first reading prophesies a great light for those dwelling in a land of gloom. This light is a "Child born to us," who bears the titles Wonder-Counselor, God-Hero, and Prince of Peace. The Adoption of Sons (Ephesians 1:3-6, 15-18): St. Paul speaks of the spiritual blessings bestowed upon us, specifically our predestination to be adopted children of God through Jesus Christ. The Model of the Child (Matthew 18:1-5, 10): In the Gospel, Jesus places a child in the midst of the disciples, declaring that "whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven." Theological Discussion 1. The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) The CCC emphasizes th...

The readings for the Second Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year A) focus on the identity of Jesus Christ and the subsequent mission of those who recognize Him. Themes in the Readings The Identity of Christ as the "Lamb of God": In the Gospel (John 1:29–34), John the Baptist identifies Jesus as the Lamb who takes away the sin of the world. This links back to the "Suffering Servant" in the First Reading (Isaiah 49:3, 5–6), who is a light to the nations. Universal Salvation: Isaiah speaks of a salvation that reaches the "ends of the earth," a theme echoed in the Second Reading (1 Corinthians 1:1–3), where Paul addresses all those "sanctified in Christ Jesus" in every place. The Mission of the Servant/Believer: Both the Servant in Isaiah and Paul in his letter are "called" and "formed" by God for a specific purpose—to bear witness to God’s glory. The Testimony of the Spirit: John the Baptist recognizes Jesus because he sees the Spir...