Second Sunday in Ordinary Time

Second Sunday in Ordinary Time

From St. Monica Catholic Church by Father Stephen Hamilton

January 19, 2026

About this episode

Father Stephen Hamilton reflects on the significance of the phrase 'Behold, the Lamb of God' in the context of the priesthood and the Gospel of John.

Dominica II per Annum A 18 January 2026  In the context of this Gospel selection, Jesus has already been baptized, such that John is reporting to the crowds what he saw when he baptized the Lord.  John reports, “I saw the Spirit come down like a dove from heaven and remain upon him”.  Given what John knows, and given the signs that accompanied the baptism, John is able to point to Jesus and say, “Behold, the Lamb of God”.  That’s a phrase I get to say each and every day.  I get to say that phrase as, just before Holy Communion, I hold up and present the Lamb of God in his Real Presence, given for his people.  I say that phrase daily, as does Fr. Bali, and any good priest.  I say it before large crowds and in smaller chapels.  I say it in my prayer room at home when, on some occasions, I am offering Mass privately by myself.  I say it in a hotel room when traveling.  I have said it sitting on the floor of a tent in the Alaska wilderness while on a salmon fishing trip in the backwoods.  Every day!  Behold, the Lamb of God! The vocation, life and ministry of the priest became my focus as I reflected on this Gospel in…

Topics covered

  • religion
  • spirituality
  • Christianity
  • priesthood
  • Gospel

Keywords

  • Lamb of God
  • Holy Communion
  • John the Baptist
  • priesthood
  • Real Presence

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Scripture, Gospel

Places: Alaska, Alabama

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