Hello, Reader!
This Sunday, the 2nd Sunday after the Epiphany, we will celebrate the Holy Eucharist, Rite II, at 9 am, with Rev. Matthew Buterbaugh officiating.
Reflection on the Readings for the 2nd Sunday after the Epiphany 2026
Join us as we explore the call to witness and to follow!
Old Testament – Isaiah 49:1-7
In the second Servant Song from Isaiah, the Servant speaks directly to the nations. Called from the womb and shaped by God as a sharp sword and a polished arrow, the Servant initially feels his efforts have been in vain. Yet God responds with an expanded vision: the Servant’s mission extends beyond Israel alone. God appoints him a light to the nations, ensuring that salvation reaches the ends of the earth. Though despised and rejected, the Servant will ultimately receive honor because of God’s faithfulness. This passage reminds us that God’s purposes are often far greater than we imagine.
Psalm 40:1-12
This psalm offers a testimony of deliverance and dedication. The psalmist waited patiently for the Lord, who lifted him from the pit and set his feet on solid ground. God placed a new song of praise in his mouth, inspiring others to trust in the Lord. The psalm celebrates God’s marvelous deeds and emphasizes that God desires not merely sacrifices and offerings but obedience and a willing heart. The psalmist’s commitment: ”Here I am, I come to do your will,” becomes our response to God’s faithfulness and compassion.
Epistle – 1 Corinthians 1:1-9
Paul opens his letter to the Corinthian church by affirming their identity as those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be saints. He expresses gratitude for the grace that has enriched them in speech and knowledge, thereby strengthening the testimony of Christ among them. Paul assures them that God will keep them blameless until Christ’s return, grounded in God’s faithfulness. This passage reminds us that we are called into fellowship with Jesus Christ, equipped with spiritual gifts, and sustained by God’s unwavering commitment to us.
Gospel – John 1:29-42
John the Baptist offers crucial testimony about Jesus’ identity and mission. When he sees Jesus approaching, he proclaims, “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.” John testifies that the Spirit descended and remained on Jesus, confirming Him as the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit and as the Son of God. When two of John’s disciples begin following Jesus, He asks what they are seeking. They inquire where He is staying, and Jesus responds with a simple yet profound invitation: “Come and see.” After spending the day with Jesus, Andrew immediately finds his brother Simon and declares, “We have found the Messiah.” Jesus then gives Simon a new name: Peter, “the rock,” foreshadowing his future role in the Church.
Reflection
The central theme of these readings is our call to witness and respond. Like Isaiah’s Servant, we are called to be lights to the nations, bringing God’s salvation to the ends of the earth. Like the psalmist, we are lifted from despair and given a new song to proclaim God’s faithfulness. Like Paul’s community in Corinth, we are sanctified and enriched with spiritual gifts as we await Christ’s return. And like John’s disciples, we are invited by Jesus to “come and see”—to enter into relationship with Him and then share that discovery with others.
As Rev. Matthew Buterbaugh celebrates Mass with us today, we are reminded that our lives are meant to shine with Christ’s radiance, bearing witness to the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. We recommit to answering Jesus’ invitation with open hearts and to proclaiming His love through our words and actions.
Read the full reflection and Scripture texts on our services webpage.
The podcast will be available later today on your favorite podcast platform.
If you feel inspired to pray for others, we encourage you to include those on our prayer list in your prayers to help strengthen our community.
If you need inspiration for prayer, remember the Book of Common Prayer or these prayers to guide your prayer journey.
Don’t forget to review this week's announcements and the church calendar.
Blessings, and have a great week!
