Welcome to Ordinary Time 2026, a split liturgical season so designated not because it is dull or boring in comparison with the Advent–Christmas seasons just completed or the Lent–Easter seasons to come. The word ordinary stems from the ordinal numbers: Second Sunday in Ordinary Time, Third Sunday in Ordinary Time, and so forth.
Scripturally, Ordinary Time focuses on the words and deeds of Jesus as he proclaims the Kingdom of God to the people of Israel and, through them, to the world. During these weeks, we hear Jesus teach with wisdom and creativity, we witness his effectiveness as a preacher, and we marvel at his miracles. In short, Ordinary Time invites us to deepen our relationship with Jesus as we learn more about who he is and what it means to follow him. What do the readings teach us today?
The First Reading is once again from the prophet Isaiah, a constant presence during Advent and Christmas. This passage comes from chapter 49 and is attributed to Deutero-Isaiah, who wrote to reassure God’s people during their Babylonian captivity.
You are my servant, Israel, through whom I show my glory…
I will make you a light to the nations,
that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.
Although the people have been released from captivity and are returning home, they are discouraged and uncertain about the future. Deutero-Isaiah presents himself as the Servant of God, called from the womb to speak God’s word and restore hope. Today’s Responsorial Psalm echoes that call perfectly: “Here am I, Lord; I come to do your will.”
The Second Reading continues this teaching. Saint Paul writes to the Corinthians as one who has also been called – called to be an apostle, called to holiness, called by the will of God.
All of this comes together in today’s Gospel. John the Baptist points to Jesus and declares, “Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.”
From Deutero-Isaiah to Saint Paul to John the Baptist, the message is clear: It is we who are called – called to speak God’s word, to strengthen one another, and to point the way to Jesus Christ.
A college student was pondering what to do with his life, and he decided to vent his frustrations on God. He went into the campus chapel, sat in a pew, looked up to heaven and prayed, “All we have on this earth are problems and a bunch of dummies who will never figure out how to solve them. Even I could make a better world than this one.” And somewhere deep inside his heart, the student heard God’s answer: “That’s what you’re supposed to do.”
2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Entrance Antiphon All the Earth Shall Bow Down (Steve Angrisano, Sarah Hart and Curtis Stephan)
Let Us All Rejoice #39
This antiphon text from Psalm 66 begins our liturgy with an invitation to the people of the world to sing together in praise of God’s holy name.
Entrance Chant We Are the Light (Jesse Manibusan)
Spirit & Song #236
Jesse’s song of praise invites us to reflect on the teaching of today’s First Reading. “I will make you a light to the nations, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.”
Responsorial Psalm Here Am I, Lord, I Come to Do Your Will (Paul Hillebrand)
Spirit & Psalm 2026: p. 70
Paul Hillebrand’s well-crafted songs reveal a composer who truly understands the creative possibilities of music. The modulation in the verses adds depth to this verbatim setting of Psalm 40.
Gospel Acclamation Alleluia: Mass of Restoration (Josh Blakesley and Leland G. “Grae” McCullough, IV)
Spirit & Psalm 2026: p. 72
Spirit & Psalm utilizes a wide variety of Mass settings as a source for the Gospel Acclamations. Hopefully, this gives you an opportunity to consider the complete setting for your community. Josh and Grae’s Mass of Restoration has a prayerful guitar-based accompaniment that works equally well on keyboard.
Presentation and Preparation of the Gifts Behold the Lamb of God (Matt Maher)
Spirit & Song #275
Note how the refrain in this Matt Maher song references the words of John the Baptist in today’s Gospel: “Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world.”
2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Communion Antiphon We Have Come to Know and to Believe [Option 2] (Steve Angrisano, Sarah Hart and Curtis Stephan)
Let Us All Rejoice #41
The text for Antiphon Option 2 is an expression of faith in the God who calls us to serve.
Communion Chant Here I Am, Lord (Dan Schutte)
Spirit & Song #250; Never Too Young #264; Breaking Bread #390
Sometimes, it’s good to go with the obvious choice. “Here I Am, Lord” is a contemporary classic that echoes the Responsorial Psalm and serves as our response to the Lord’s invitation to ministry.
Sending Forth Go Make a Difference (Steve Angrisano and Tom Tomaszek)
Spirit & Song #213; Never Too Young #260; Breaking Bread #494
This popular and uplifting song sends us forth from this Eucharist to be the light of the world and the hands of Christ.
Liturgy Blog is a weekly liturgy planning resource for musicians, liturgists, homilists, youth groups, faith sharing groups, and all who look to the liturgical readings for inspiration and nourishment. Join Ken Canedo as he breaks open the Scripture and suggests tracks from the Spirit & Song contemporary repertoire.
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