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Saint Gertrude Parish - Lasne
January 18, 2026
On this page you will find:
The readings for Mass, the Mass leaflet with the choice of hymns
A sample universal prayer available for download, in PDF and editable Word formats.
A meditation on the Sunday Gospel, a spiritual text and commentary by Marie-Noëlle Thabut
2nd Sunday of the TO
Mosaic of the Mystic Lamb, Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls, Rome, Italy
“Behold the Lamb of God,
who takes away the sin of the world
John 1:29-34
Readings from the Mass
Mass leaflet
Universal Prayer
Consult the Lectio Divina page, which invites you to read the Gospel in a prayerful atmosphere so that you may be touched in your heart. It is important not to rush to read commentaries or homilies before having this personal experience of encountering Christ in Scripture.
Next, if you wish, you can read the meditations below which will enrich your personal reading and meditation.
Méditation
Meditation by Pope Francis
Today's Gospel reading (cf. Jn 1:29-34) recounts John the Baptist's testimony about Jesus after baptizing him in the Jordan River. He says: "This is the one I meant when I said, 'A man who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me'" (vv. 29-30).
This statement, this testimony, reveals John's spirit of service. He had been sent to prepare the way for the Messiah and he did so tirelessly. Humanly speaking, one might think he would receive a "reward," a prominent place in Jesus' public life. But no. John, having accomplished his mission, knows how to step aside; he withdraws from the scene to make room for Jesus. He has seen the Spirit descend upon him (cf. vv. 33-34), he has designated Jesus as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, and now, in turn, he humbly listens. From prophet, he becomes disciple. He has preached to the people, he has gathered disciples and trained them for a long time. Yet, he does not bind anyone to himself. And this is difficult, but it is the mark of a true educator: not to bind people to oneself. John does this: he places his disciples in the footsteps of Jesus. He is not interested in having followers, gaining prestige and success, but he bears witness and then withdraws, so that many may have the joy of encountering Jesus. We can say: he opens the door and leaves.
Homily
Draw from the source
Today we enter into Ordinary Time. This Jesus, whose birth we have just celebrated, has good news for humanity. This good news was announced to the shepherds and then to the Magi. The Gospels reveal to us the wonders that the Lord accomplished for the salvation of the world.
This liberation was foretold centuries earlier by the prophet Isaiah. We heard his message addressed to a people who had been deported to a foreign land. There, they suffered all kinds of hardship. But God saw the suffering of his people and sent his prophet to announce their liberation. All, even the most humiliated and despised, were led to discover their worth in God's eyes.
Here we have a message of hope for all the prisoners and outcasts of today. We think of all those whose reputations are tarnished by their past and their actions. But the Lord does not abandon them. He sends them prophets, priests, and witnesses to tell them that they are precious in God's eyes. He does not want a single one to be lost; and he counts on us to be bearers of hope and light for all humanity.
Understanding the readings
with Marie-Noëlle THABUT
Une parole pour la route
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