Voices of the Way

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today exhort us to contemplate the mission of the leaders in the Church and act with thanksgiving for their witness.

Witness on the Way

The Reading from the Second Letter to Timothy proclaims a Greeting and Thanksgiving for The Gifts Timothy Has Received.

* [1:1–2] For the formula of address and greeting, see note on Rom 1:1–7.

* [1:1] The promise of life in Christ Jesus: that God grants through union with Christ in faith and love; cf. Col 3:4; 1 Tm 4:8.

* [1:3] As my ancestors did: this emphasizes the continuity of Judaism and Christianity; for a similar view, see Rom 9:3–5; Phil 3:4–6.

* [1:4–5] Purportedly written from prison in Rome (2 Tm 1:8, 17; 4:6–8) shortly before the writer’s death, the letter recalls the earlier sorrowful parting from Timothy, commending him for his faith and expressing the longing to see him again.

* [1:6] The gift of God: the grace resulting from the conferral of an ecclesiastical office. The imposition of my hands: see note on 1 Tm 4:14.

* [1:8] Do not be ashamed of your testimony to our Lord: i.e., of preaching and suffering for the sake of the gospel. (2 Timothy, CHAPTER 1 | USCCB, n.d.)

The Reading from the Letter to Titus offers a Greeting toTitus in Crete.

* [1:1–4] On the epistolary form, see note on Rom 1:1–7. The apostolate is the divinely appointed mission to lead others to the true faith and through it to eternal salvation (1–3).

* [1:5–9] This instruction on the selection and appointment of presbyters (Titus, CHAPTER 1 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 96 invites all humanity to praise the glories of Israel’s God.

* [Psalm 96] A hymn inviting all humanity to praise the glories of Israel’s God (Ps 96:1–3), who is the sole God (Ps 96:4–6). To the just ruler of all belongs worship (Ps 96:7–10); even inanimate creation is to offer praise (Ps 96:11–13). This Psalm has numerous verbal and thematic contacts with Is 40–55, as does Ps 98. Another version of the Psalm is 1 Chr 16:23–33. (Psalms, PSALM 96 | USCCB, n.d.)

The Gospel of Luke, from the CCCB lectionary, proclaims The Mission of the Seventy-two.

* [10:1–12] Only the Gospel of Luke contains two episodes in which Jesus sends out his followers on a mission: the first (Lk 9:1–6) is based on the mission in Mk 6:6b–13 and recounts the sending out of the Twelve; here in Lk 10:1–12 a similar report based on Q becomes the sending out of seventy-two in this gospel. The episode continues the theme of Jesus preparing witnesses to himself and his ministry. These witnesses include not only the Twelve but also the seventy-two who may represent the Christian mission in Luke’s own day. Note that the instructions given to the Twelve and to the seventy-two are similar and that what is said to the seventy-two in Lk 10:4 is directed to the Twelve in Lk 22:35.

* [10:1] Seventy[-two]: important representatives of the Alexandrian and Caesarean text types read “seventy,” while other important Alexandrian texts and Western readings have “seventy-two.”

* [10:4] Carry no money bag…greet no one along the way: because of the urgency of the mission and the singlemindedness required of missionaries, attachment to material possessions should be avoided and even customary greetings should not distract from the fulfillment of the task.

* [10:5] First say, ‘Peace to this household’: see notes on Lk 2:14 and Mt 10:13.

* [10:6] A peaceful person: literally, “a son of peace.” (Luke, CHAPTER 10 | USCCB, n.d.)

The Gospel of Mark, presents the comparison of Jesus and Beelzebul.

* [3:22] By Beelzebul: see note on Mt 10:25. Two accusations are leveled against Jesus: (1) that he is possessed by an unclean spirit and (2) by the prince of demons he drives out demons. Jesus answers the second charge by a parable (Mk 3:24–27) and responds to the first charge in Mk 3:28–29.

* [3:29] Whoever blasphemes against the holy Spirit: this sin is called an everlasting sin because it attributes to Satan, who is the power of evil, what is actually the work of the holy Spirit, namely, victory over the demons. (Mark, CHAPTER 3 | USCCB, n.d.)

Larry Hopp comments that today’s readings remind us to remain alert, to stand firm against the lies and persecution we will be facing throughout our lives. It is imperative that we remain bold and confident as we seek to become the man or woman that God created us to be.

Dear Heavenly Father, help us to never lose sight of who you are and your countless wonderous deeds that we experience every moment of our lives. Help us to live a life that has obviously been touched by you. Stir in us the flame of your love and purpose. In the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ. Amen (Hopp, n.d.)

Don Schwager quotes “The cross of Christ as victory,” by Augustine of Hippo, 354-430 A.D.

"It is not difficult, therefore, to see how the devil was conquered when he, who was slain by him, rose again. But there is something greater and more profound of comprehension: to see how the devil was conquered precisely when he was thought to be conquering, namely, when Christ was crucified. For at that moment the blood of him who had no sin at all, was shed for the remission of our sins (Matthew 26:28, 1 John 3:5). The devil deservedly held those whom he had bound by sin to the condition of death. So it happened that One who was guilty of no sin freed them justly from this condemnation (Hebrews 2:14). The strong man was conquered by this paradoxical justice and bound by this chain, that his vessels [booty] might be taken away. Those vessels which had been vessels of wrath were turned into vessels of mercy (Romans 9:22-23)." (excerpt ON THE TRINITY 13.15.19) (Schwager, n.d.)

 The Word Among Us Meditation on 2 Timothy 1:1-8 comments that we read St. Paul’s metaphor in today’s first reading about a single glowing ember becoming a blazing fire. When that ember is the gift of God’s grace through the Holy Spirit, Paul says, it can be stirred up into a furnace of divine grace and power!

Whatever step you take, remember that the spark of the Holy Spirit is unquenchable—nothing life throws at you can fully dim its glow. Every day there is a new chance to rouse that flicker of flame into a mighty blaze!

“Holy Spirit, set my life on fire for God!” (Meditation on 2 Timothy 1:1-8, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments that, when not on Sunday, January 25 celebrates the conversion of St. Paul. and today we read two pastoral letters to Timothy and Titus, attributed to Paul, because of different vocabulary, theology and ecclesiology that is much more developed than Paul’s in 50 - 63 CE. The letter commends Timothy for living according to the promise of the ancestors. Timothy is Jewish in his mother’s line, rather young, and not necessarily listened to. Even so,he did exercise a function within the community. Titus talks about the promise from before time began, as a Gentile Christian who is referred to as an episcopas or “bishop” serving as overseer and to choose "presbyters” in the establishment of the hierarchy noted in Ignatius letters. The family of Jesus sought to take Him home and the Pharisees claim him to be possessed. Friar Jude comments on the Jewish twisting of Beelzebul and the idea that a house divided against itself cannot stand. Sins against the Holy Spirit include blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, by holding the guilt of sin is stronger than the Mercy of God or acting in sin on the presumption of forgiveness.

Father Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces authors Jennifer Garcia Bashaw and Aaron Higashi who highlight that the Bible includes stories from many voices across different times and cultures.

The voice of a tenth-century BCE court history, for instance, is different from the voice of a sixth-century BCE piece of wisdom literature, which is also different from the voice of a late first-century CE gospel. Just as a quilt is made of many different sections, or an anthology is made of many different essays, the Bible is a collection of independent things. [1] (Rohr, n.d.)

Spiritual writer Carl McColman describes how recognizing multiple voices in the Bible allows us to center those voices that communicate God’s love, mercy, and justice.

A mystical reading of the Bible sees it as a conversation with many voices chiming in. Unfortunately, some of those voices are racist, sexist, homophobic, classist, or comfortable with the authoritarian exercise of power. But other voices also present in the Bible seek to challenge all of the above, promoting a world where privilege is dismantled, nonviolence is an ethical mandate, and compassion is the guiding principle for both individual behavior and social norms. Learning to read the Bible like a mystic includes learning to recognize all those different voices and discern which ones primarily function as “bad” examples and which ones are truly there to inspire us and draw us closer to God. When we read the Bible to connect with those compassionate and just voices, it is not only the Bible that is saved, but we ourselves also become more whole. [2] (Rohr, n.d.)

When we apply the tripod of piety, study, and action to our mission as Jesus’ disciples we express gratitude for our foreparents in the faith and the voices they echo interpreted with the guidance of the Spirit.

References

Hopp, L. (n.d.). Daily Reflection. Creighton Online Ministries: Home. Retrieved January 26, 2026, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-january-26-2026 

Luke, CHAPTER 10 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved January 26, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/10 

Mark, CHAPTER 3 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved January 26, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/mark/3?22 

Meditation on 2 Timothy 1:1-8. (n.d.). Word Among Us. Retrieved January 26, 2026, from https://wau.org/meditations/2026/01/26/1487686/ 

Psalms, PSALM 96 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved January 26, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/96?1 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). Daily Meditations — Center for Action and Contemplation. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved January 26, 2026, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/many-voices-one-text/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Jesus Frees Us from Satan's Power. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved January 26, 2026, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/ 

Titus, CHAPTER 1 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved January 26, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/titus/1?1 

2 Timothy, CHAPTER 1 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved January 26, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/2timothy/1?1 

Anointed with Love

The texts and psalm from the Roman Catholic Lectionary challenge us today, the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, to conclude the Christmas Season with renewed commitment to love of God and neighbour.

Baptismal Anointing

The Book of the Prophet Isaiah presents The Servant, a Light to the Nations.

* [42:1–4] Servant: three other passages have been popularly called “servant of the Lord” poems: 49:1–7; 50:4–11; 52:13–53:12. Whether the servant is an individual or a collectivity is not clear (e.g., contrast 49:3 with 49:5). More important is the description of the mission of the servant. In the early Church and throughout Christian tradition, these poems have been applied to Christ; cf. Mt 12:18–21.

* [42:3] Bruised reed…: images to express the gentle manner of the servant’s mission.

* [42:4] Coastlands: for Israel, the world to the west: the islands and coastal nations of the Mediterranean. (Isaiah, CHAPTER 42 | USCCB, n.d.)

The text from the beginning of Deutero Isaiah declares God’s People Are Comforted.

* [40:3–5] A description of the return of the exiles from Babylon to Jerusalem (Zion). The language used here figuratively describes the way the exiles will take. The Lord leads them, so their way lies straight across the wilderness rather than along the well-watered routes usually followed from Mesopotamia to Israel. Mt 3:3 and gospel parallels adapt these verses to the witness of John the Baptizer to Jesus.

* [40:9] Herald of good news: i.e., of the imminent restoration of the people to their land. This theme of the proclamation of the good news occurs elsewhere in Second Isaiah; cf. also 41:27; 52:7. (Isaiah, CHAPTER 40 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 29 praises the Voice of God in a Great Storm.

* [Psalm 29] The hymn invites the members of the heavenly court to acknowledge God’s supremacy by ascribing glory and might to God alone (Ps 29:1–2a, 9b). Divine glory and might are dramatically visible in the storm (Ps 29:3–9a). The storm apparently comes from the Mediterranean onto the coast of Syria-Palestine and then moves inland. In Ps 29:10 the divine beings acclaim God’s eternal kingship. The Psalm concludes with a prayer that God will impart the power just displayed to the Israelite king and through the king to Israel. (Psalms, PSALM 29 | USCCB, n.d.)

In the reading from the Acts of the Apostles, Gentiles Hear the Good News.

* [10:34–43] Peter’s speech to the household of Cornelius typifies early Christian preaching to Gentiles.

* [10:34–35] The revelation of God’s choice of Israel to be the people of God did not mean he withheld the divine favor from other people.

* [10:36–43] These words are more directed to Luke’s Christian readers than to the household of Cornelius, as indicated by the opening words, “You know.” They trace the continuity between the preaching and teaching of Jesus of Nazareth and the proclamation of Jesus by the early community. The emphasis on this divinely ordained continuity (Acts 10:41) is meant to assure Luke’s readers of the fidelity of Christian tradition to the words and deeds of Jesus.

* [10:36] To the Israelites: Luke, in the words of Peter, speaks of the prominent position occupied by Israel in the history of salvation.

* [10:38] Jesus of Nazareth: God’s revelation of his plan for the destiny of humanity through Israel culminated in Jesus of Nazareth. Consequently, the ministry of Jesus is an integral part of God’s revelation. This viewpoint explains why the early Christian communities were interested in conserving the historical substance of the ministry of Jesus, a tradition leading to the production of the four gospels. (Acts of the Apostles, CHAPTER 10 | USCCB, n.d.)

The reading from the Letter of Titus celebrates Transformation of Life.

* [2:11–15] Underlying the admonitions for moral improvement in Ti 2:1–10 as the moving force is the constant appeal to God’s revelation of salvation in Christ, with its demand for transformation of life.

* [2:13] The blessed hope, the appearance: literally, “the blessed hope and appearance,” but the use of a single article in Greek strongly suggests an epexegetical, i.e., explanatory sense. Of the great God and of our savior Jesus Christ: another possible translation is “of our great God and savior Jesus Christ.”(Titus, CHAPTER 2 | USCCB, n.d.)

* [3:1–8] The list of Christian duties continues from Ti 2:9–10, undergirded again as in Ti 2:11–13 by appeal to what God in Christ has done (Ti 2:4–7; cf. Ti 2:11–14). The spiritual renewal of the Cretans, signified in God’s merciful gift of baptism (Ti 3:4–7), should be reflected in their improved attitude toward civil authority and in their Christian relationship with all (Ti 3:1–3). (Titus, CHAPTER 3 | USCCB, n.d.)

The Gospel of Luke presents The Baptism of Jesus.

* [3:16] He will baptize you with the holy Spirit and fire: in contrast to John’s baptism with water, Jesus is said to baptize with the holy Spirit and with fire. From the point of view of the early Christian community, the Spirit and fire must have been understood in the light of the fire symbolism of the pouring out of the Spirit at Pentecost (Acts 2:1–4); but as part of John’s preaching, the Spirit and fire should be related to their purifying and refining characteristics (Ez 36:25–27; Mal 3:2–3). See note on Mt 3:11.

* [3:21–22] This episode in Luke focuses on the heavenly message identifying Jesus as Son and, through the allusion to Is 42:1, as Servant of Yahweh. The relationship of Jesus to the Father has already been announced in the infancy narrative (Lk 1:32, 35; 2:49); it occurs here at the beginning of Jesus’ Galilean ministry and will reappear in Lk 9:35 before another major section of Luke’s gospel, the travel narrative (Lk 9:51–19:27). Elsewhere in Luke’s writings (Lk 4:18; Acts 10:38), this incident will be interpreted as a type of anointing of Jesus.

* [3:21] Was praying: Luke regularly presents Jesus at prayer at important points in his ministry: here at his baptism; at the choice of the Twelve (Lk 6:12); before Peter’s confession (Lk 9:18); at the transfiguration (Lk 9:28); when he teaches his disciples to pray (Lk 11:1); at the Last Supper (Lk 22:32); on the Mount of Olives (Lk 22:41); on the cross (Lk 23:46).

* [3:22] You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased: this is the best attested reading in the Greek manuscripts. The Western reading, “You are my Son, this day I have begotten you,” is derived from Ps 2:7. (Luke, CHAPTER 3 | USCCB, n.d.)

George Butterfield comments that someone else baptizes us. Yet, they do it simply as Jesus’ representative on earth. He is actually the one who baptizes us “with the Holy Spirit and fire.”

Think also of how our baptism is like Jesus’ baptism. The Son goes into the water, the Holy Spirit descends, and the Father speaks. With us, a son or daughter goes into the water, the Spirit descends, and the Father still speaks: “You are my beloved Son (or Daughter); with you I am well pleased.” (Butterfield, n.d.)

Don Schwager quotes “The divine - human reconciliation,” attributed to Hippolytus, 170-236 A.D.

"Do you see, beloved, how many and how great blessings we would have lost if the Lord had yielded to the exhortation of John and declined baptism? For the heavens had been shut before this. The region above was inaccessible. We might descend to the lower parts, but not ascend to the upper. So it happened not only that the Lord was being baptized - he also was making new the old creation. He was bringing the alienated under the scepter of adoption (Romans 8:15). For straightway 'the heavens were opened to him.' A reconciliation took place between the visible and the invisible. The celestial orders were filled with joy, the diseases of earth were healed, secret things made known, those at enmity restored to amity. For you have heard the word of the Evangelist, saying, 'The heavens were opened to him,' on account of three wonders [appearance of the eternal Father, Son, and Holy Spirit together at the baptism]. At the baptism of Christ the Bridegroom, it was fitting that the heavenly chamber should open its glorious gates. So when the Holy Spirit descended in the form of a dove, and the Father's voice spread everywhere, it was fitting that 'the gates of heaven should be lifted up.'" (excerpt from THE DISCOURSE ON THE HOLY THEOPHANY 6) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Luke 3:15-16, 21-22 comments that, as Pope Benedict XVI explained in his book Jesus of Nazareth, “Jesus inaugurated his public activity by stepping into the place of sinners.” By accepting baptism, Jesus accepted his coming death for the sins of all mankind. He anticipated his submission to his Father’s will during the agony in the garden, and he pointed us toward his suffering and death on the cross. Just as he would in those more painful moments, Jesus began his ministry by saying yes to his mission as the Savior of the world.

And what a Savior he is! He didn’t hold himself aloof from us or save us from a position of power and glory. He emptied and humbled himself and submitted to a baptism he didn’t need in order to bring us the salvation we did need. And by doing so, he sanctified the waters of our Baptism. Because of his humility, our sins can be washed away, and we can receive the grace to live as children of God.

So don’t just put away your Christmas decorations today. Make sure you celebrate your salvation as well!

“Thank you, Jesus, for embracing my humanity!” (Meditation on Luke 3:15-16, 21-22, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments on one of the songs of the Suffering Servant and the promise made to the exiles in Babylon from Deutero Isaiah. The declaration of all things being clean is accompanied by the baptism of Cornelius in the text from Acts. Friar Jude reminds us of our invitation into the Life of the Spirit as we contemplate the descent of the dove of love in the account of Jesus Baptism.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, describes why role models and personal examples often inspire change more effectively than right ideas and beliefs. 

I believe the gospel itself, and the Franciscan vision of the gospel, is primarily communicated by richly symbolic human lives that operate as prime attractors and exemplars: through actions visibly done in love; by a nonviolent, humble, simple, liberated lifestyle; by a happy identification with poor and excluded people; by obvious happiness itself; and by concrete and visible people who “give others reasons for spiritual joy”—as Francis said when he rubbed two sticks together to play an imaginary violin and as Pope Francis did when he washed the feet of prisoners, women, and Muslims. When such people then speak or act, their words burn, and their actions convict!  

Surely this is what Jesus meant when he told us to be “a light on a lampstand” or to be “leaven” and “salt” (Matthew 5:13–15, 13:33). He knew that holiness is passed on through contagion. (Rohr, n.d.)

We reflect on our Baptismal Anointing and seek the guidance of the Spirit to bring love into our environment as priest, prophet, and leader.

References

Acts of the Apostles, CHAPTER 10 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved January 12, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/acts/10?34 

Butterfield, G. (n.d.). Daily Reflection Of Creighton University's Online Ministries. Creighton University's Online Ministries. Retrieved January 12, 2025, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/011225.htm 

Isaiah, CHAPTER 40 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved January 12, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/isaiah/40?1 

Isaiah, CHAPTER 42 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved January 12, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/isaiah/42?1 

Luke, CHAPTER 3 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved January 12, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/3?15 

Meditation on Luke 3:15-16, 21-22. (n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved January 12, 2025, from https://wau.org/meditations/2025/01/12/1178196/ 

Psalms, PSALM 29 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved January 12, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/29?1 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). Daily Meditations — Center for Action and Contemplation. Following Those Who Inspire Us. Retrieved January 12, 2025, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/following-those-who-inspire-us/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved January 12, 2025, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2025&date=jan12 

Titus, CHAPTER 2 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved January 12, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/titus/2 

Titus, CHAPTER 3 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved January 12, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/titus/3