Sunday, 18 January 2026
2nd Sunday of Ordinary Time
Readings for the universal ChurchGeneral Roman Calendar, used by Catholics worldwide
First Reading
3And he has said to me: “You are my servant, Israel. For in you, I will glory.”
5And now, says the Lord, who formed me from the womb as his servant, so that I may bring back Jacob to him, for Israel will not be gathered together, but I have been glorified in the eyes of the Lord and my God has become my strength, 6and so he has said: “It is a small thing that you should be my servant so as to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and so as to convert the dregs of Israel. Behold, I have offered you as a light for the Gentiles, so that you may be my salvation, even to the furthest regions of the earth.”
Responsorial Psalm
2I have waited expectantly for the Lord, and he was attentive to me.
4And he sent a new canticle into my mouth, a song to our God. Many will see, and they will fear; and they will hope in the Lord.
7Sacrifice and oblation, you did not want. But you have perfected ears for me. Holocaust and sin offering, you did not require.
8Then I said, “Behold, I draw near.” At the head of the book, it has been written of me:
9that I should do your will. My God, I have willed it. And your law is in the midst of my heart.
10I have announced your justice in a great Church: behold, I will not restrain my lips. O Lord, you have known it.
Second Reading
1Paul, called as an Apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God; and Sosthenes, a brother: 2to the Church of God which is at Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints with all who are invoking the name of our Lord Jesus Christ in every place of theirs and of ours. 3Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
Gospel
29On the next day, John saw Jesus coming toward him, and so he said: “Behold, the Lamb of God. Behold, he who takes away the sin of the world. 30This is the one about whom I said, ‘After me arrives a man, who has been placed ahead of me, because he existed before me.’ 31And I did not know him. Yet it is for this reason that I come baptizing with water: so that he may be made manifest in Israel.” 32And John offered testimony, saying: “For I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove; and he remained upon him. 33And I did not know him. But he who sent me to baptize with water said to me: ‘He over whom you will see the Spirit descending and remaining upon him, this is the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’ 34And I saw, and I gave testimony: that this one is the Son of God.”
Same readings worldwide and in the United States.
Text: Catholic Public Domain Version (public domain). Reading citations: cpbjr/catholic-readings-api (MIT license). The Lectionary text used at Mass in the United States is the NABRE, which you can read at USCCB.