January 20, 2026
by Judith Hehs

Over the past two weeks at Mass, I’ve been struck by the powerful messages in the Gospel readings. Both last week and this week highlight Jesus as the Messiah and the Son of God, as proclaimed by John the Baptist. These readings remind us that Jesus’ public ministry—teaching, healing, and serving—is now fully underway, and we continue to hear His message every day through Easter.

Last week, the Holy Spirit descended in the form of a dove and declared, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17). This week, John the Baptist points to Jesus and says, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” Through these moments, John the Baptist continues to reveal Jesus as both Son of God and the Lamb of God.

As my priest, Fr. Barnabas, reflected on the humility, compassion, and divine nature of Jesus, I was reminded of Saint Catherine’s own witness to the Lamb of God. For her, the Lamb of God was not just a symbol—it was a living reality. It guided her strength, her path, and her ministry, shaping her devotion and inspiring her lifelong desire to serve God and others.

Saint Catherine’s writings continue to challenge us today: to deepen our connection with God while actively serving the world. Her example reminds us that faith is not only something we celebrate but something we live, every day. By following her witness to the Lamb of God, we, too, are called to embody humility, service, and love in our own lives.

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