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 

Servants United in the Lord

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today invite us to pray to discern the role to which we are being called today as we join the wider Christian Community to serve the Way of the Lord.

United in the Lord

The Reading from the Book of the Prophet Isaiah presents The Servant of the Lord.

* [49:1–7] The second of the four “servant of the Lord” oracles (cf. note on 42:1–4).

* [49:1] Gave me my name: designated me for a special task or mission (cf. Jer 1:5).

* [49:3] Israel: the servant is identified with the people of Israel as their ideal representative; however, vv. 5–6 seem to distinguish the servant from Israel.

* [49:6] The servant’s vocation extends beyond the restoration of Israel in order to bring the knowledge of Israel’s God to the rest of the earth; cf. Lk 2:32. (Isaiah, CHAPTER 49 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 40 praises the open and enthusiastic proclamation of the salvation just experienced.

* [Psalm 40] A thanksgiving (Ps 40:2–13) has been combined with a lament (Ps 40:14–17) that appears also in Ps 70. The psalmist describes the rescue in spatial terms—being raised up from the swampy underworld to firm earth where one can praise God (Ps 40:2–4). All who trust God will experience like protection (Ps 40:5–6)! The Psalm stipulates the precise mode of thanksgiving: not animal sacrifice but open and enthusiastic proclamation of the salvation just experienced (Ps 40:7–11). A prayer for protection concludes (Ps 40:12–17).

* [40:4] A new song: a song in response to the new action of God (cf. Ps 33:3; 96:1; 144:9; 149:1; Is 42:10). Giving thanks is not purely a human response but is itself a divine gift.

* [40:7–9] Obedience is better than sacrifice (cf. 1 Sm 15:22; Is 1:10–20; Hos 6:6; Am 5:22–25; Mi 6:6–8; Acts 7:42–43 [quoting Am 5:25–26]). Heb 10:5–9 quotes the somewhat different Greek version and interprets it as Christ’s self-oblation. (Psalms, PSALM 40 | USCCB, n.d.)

The Reading from the First Letter to the Corinthians is from Paul’s Greeting.

* [1:1–9] Paul follows the conventional form for the opening of a Hellenistic letter (cf. Rom 1:1–7), but expands the opening with details carefully chosen to remind the readers of their situation and to suggest some of the issues the letter will discuss.

* [1:1] Called…by the will of God: Paul’s mission and the church’s existence are grounded in God’s initiative. God’s call, grace, and fidelity are central ideas in this introduction, emphasized by repetition and wordplays in the Greek. (1 Corinthians, CHAPTER 1 | USCCB, n.d.)

The Gospel of John presents the Baptist’s Testimony to Jesus.

* [1:29] The Lamb of God: the background for this title may be the victorious apocalyptic lamb who would destroy evil in the world (Rev 5–7; 17:14); the paschal lamb, whose blood saved Israel (Ex 12); and/or the suffering servant led like a lamb to the slaughter as a sin-offering (Is 53:7, 10).

* [1:30] He existed before me: possibly as Elijah (to come, Jn 1:27); for the evangelist and his audience, Jesus’ preexistence would be implied (see note on Jn 1:1).

* [1:31] I did not know him: this gospel shows no knowledge of the tradition (Lk 1) about the kinship of Jesus and John the Baptist. The reason why I came baptizing with water: in this gospel, John’s baptism is not connected with forgiveness of sins; its purpose is revelatory, that Jesus may be made known to Israel.

* [1:32] Like a dove: a symbol of the new creation (Gn 8:8) or the community of Israel (Hos 11:11). Remain: the first use of a favorite verb in John, emphasizing the permanency of the relationship between Father and Son (as here) and between the Son and the Christian. Jesus is the permanent bearer of the Spirit.

* [1:34] The Son of God: this reading is supported by good Greek manuscripts, including the Chester Beatty and Bodmer Papyri and the Vatican Codex, but is suspect because it harmonizes this passage with the synoptic version: “This is my beloved Son” (Mt 3:17; Mk 1:11; Lk 3:22). The poorly attested alternate reading, “God’s chosen One,” is probably a reference to the Servant of Yahweh (Is 42:1). (John, CHAPTER 1 | USCCB, n.d.)

Rev. Jim Caime, SJ, shares how humour gives him just enough space to ask a more honest question: Where might God be inviting me to grow, not by doing more, but by seeing differently?

I don’t hear this as God demanding more effort or higher achievement. I hear it as God seeing more possibility than we often allow ourselves to see. The invitation is not to strive harder, but to trust that God’s imagination for our lives exceeds our own.

At 64, I can look back and see things I never imagined I would do. Much of what has shaped me unfolded beyond anything I planned. That helps me remember that what lies ahead is still unknown, even when I think I have a plan. And I’ve learned not to assume that the unknown is a problem.

So perhaps the question Isaiah leaves us with this week is not, “Am I doing enough?” but something simpler and more honest: Where might God be inviting me to see my life with God’s eyes, rather than my own measurements? (Caime, n.d.)

Don Schwager quotes “John points to Jesus' saving mission,” by Cyril of Alexandria (376-444 AD).

"No longer does John need to 'prepare the way,' since the one for whom the preparation was being made is right there before his eyes... But now he who of old was dimly pictured, the very Lamb, the spotless Sacrifice, is led to the slaughter for all, that he might drive away the sin of the world, that he might overturn the destroyer of the earth, that dying for all he might annihilate death, that he might undo the curse that is upon us... For one Lamb died for all (2 Corinthians 5:14), saving the whole flock on earth to God the Father, one for all, that he might subject all to God." (excerpt from the COMMENTARY ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 2.1) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on 1 Corinthians 1:1-3 Today we begin the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, and this year’s theme comes from Ephesians 4:4: “There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling.” That might remind you of today’s first reading. We are called, and that calling changes us. It’s meant to lead us to unity with everyone who belongs to Jesus. It’s meant to urge us to love each other to the point that we’re united.

So how do we start? A first step is to let Jesus help you see and love other Christians as fellow members of his body. So for the rest of this week, join believers around the world in praying the daily prayers for unity. You can find them starting on page 10 of this magazine.

“Lord, make us one in you!” (Meditation on 1 Corinthians 1:1-3, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments that Isaiah 49 is one of the songs of the Suffering Servant from Second Isaiah This servant is to raise up Israel and a light to the nations. Who is referred to here? Jesus used the vocabulary of the Suffering Servant to refer to Himself. Paul’s introduction to the Corinthians speaks to a port city with many troubles. As many as four letters from Paul repeat the name of Jesus in a community that thought the Holy Spirit was superior to Jesus. The Baptist calls Jesus the Lamb of God This phrase in Aramaic is used for “Servant of God” too. The Holy Spirit descended and remained on Jesus the Spirit as a dove, a symbol of Love in The Hebrew Testament. Friar Jude describes the Holy Spirit as the Love between Father and Son and for us. Christian Baptism is different from the Baptism of John as it is an invitation into the life of the Trinity.

Father Richard Rohr comments that great traditions always call people on a journey of faith to keep changing. There’s no other way the human person can open up to all that God is asking of us.

Immediately after he begins preaching, Jesus calls his first four disciples. Jesus just says, “Follow me” and immediately they leave their nets and follow him (Matthew 4:19–20). But today, the way I see people transformed doesn’t happen this quickly. Maybe it happened that way with Jesus and the disciples; I don’t want to say that it didn’t. A true disciple will have that kind of readiness. Most of us, though, would prefer some process of conversion, a series of conversations over a few weeks, with Jesus saying, “Hey, I’m into something new. Do you want to be a part of it? Let’s go.”

I hope we realize that we’re all called to discipleship. We hope that the point comes when we’re ready to let go of our nets: our sense of self, our security systems, and the way it’s always been. Fishing is Simon (Peter) and Andrew’s economic livelihood, and Jesus says to let go of it. He says, “I’m going to teach you how to fish in a new way, to fish for people” (Matthew 4:19). What he means is that he’s going to give them a new vocation. Hearing this Gospel passage, I hope we’re inspired to ask, “What is God asking us to do? Where is God asking us to go?” (Rohr, n.d.)

We join the Christian Community as anointed in Baptism as priest, prophet and leader presenting the Way of Jesus to the environment in which we are called to be a sign of love.

References

Caime, J. (n.d.). Daily Reflections. Creighton Online Ministries: Home. Retrieved January 18, 2026, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/ 

Isaiah, CHAPTER 49 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved January 18, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/isaiah/49?3=#29049003 

John, CHAPTER 1 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved January 18, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/1?29=#51001029 

Meditation on 1 Corinthians 1:1-3. (n.d.). Word Among Us. Retrieved January 18, 2026, from https://wau.org/meditations/2026/01/18/1482253/ 

1 Corinthians, CHAPTER 1 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved January 18, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/1corinthians/1?1=#54001001 

Psalms, PSALM 40 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved January 18, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/40?2 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). Follow Me. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved January 18, 2026, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/follow-me/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Behold the Lamb of God! Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved January 18, 2026, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/