MEMORIAL OF SAINT PRISCA, VIRGIN AND MARTYR; SAINTS VOLUSIAN, BISHOP AND DEICOLUS, ABBOT AND SAINT MARGARET OF HUNGARY, RELIGIOUS – FEAST DAY ~ JANUARY 18TH 2026

SECOND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

SAINTS OF THE DAY ~ FEAST DAY: JANUARY 18, 2026 | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/category/saints-of-the-day

MEMORIAL OF SAINT PRISCA, VIRGIN AND MARTYR; SAINTS VOLUSIAN, BISHOP AND DEICOLUS, ABBOT AND SAINT MARGARET OF HUNGARY, RELIGIOUS – FEAST DAY ~ JANUARY 18TH | Direct link to the detailed history of Saint Prisca, Saints Volusian and Deicolus, and Saint Margaret of Hungary | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-january-18th/

Watch “Holy Mass and Holy Rosary | EWTN | January 18, 2026 | “Holy Mass from the National Shrine of the Divine Mercy” | Pray “Holy Rosary Novena From Lourdes” | Pray “The Chaplet of Divine Mercy in song from the National Shrine of the Divine Mercy” | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/catholic-daily-mass-january-18-2026/

THE LITURGICAL YEAR IN THE CATHOLIC CHURCH | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/the-liturgical-year-in-the-catholic-church/

Greetings and blessings, beloved family!

As we gather on this Second Sunday in Ordinary Time, January 18, the Church invites us to deepen our awareness of Christ’s living presence among us and to listen attentively to His call. Today’s liturgy reveals Jesus as the Lamb of God, the One sent to bring salvation to the ends of the earth, and reminds us that each of us is called to belong to Him and to make His light known through our lives. United with the witness of Saint Prisca, Virgin and Martyr, Saints Volusian and Deicolus, and Saint Margaret of Hungary, we are encouraged to respond to God with courage, obedience, and generous self-giving. As we reflect on the Word of God today, may our hearts echo the psalmist’s prayer: “Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will,” and may our lives bear witness to Christ, whom we have seen and believed. 🙏🏽

Thanking God for the precious gift of this new day and for His faithful presence throughout the year now unfolding. As we embark on this fresh journey of faith, we give thanks for God’s boundless mercy and the hope of eternal life promised to those who believe in Him. May the witness of the Saints and the faith of our loved ones inspire us to live each day in holiness, humility, and love. This month of January, dedicated to the Holy Name of Jesus, invites us to grow in grace and devotion, following His example of love, obedience, and trust in God’s plan. Through the prayers of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Holy Name of Jesus, may God fill our hearts with hope, strengthen our faith, and guide us in holiness throughout this new year. May this month bring light to our minds, peace to our hearts, and strength to our souls. Amen 🙏🏽

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted” ~ Matthew 5:4

We join our Holy Father Pope Leo XIV to pray for the gentle repose of the souls of our dear beloved late Pope Francis, the Cardinals, Bishops, Priests and Religious who have gone to be with the Lord. We also remember in prayer all who began this journey of life with us but are no longer here. We pray for the gentle repose of the souls of our loved ones who recently passed away, and we continue to pray for the souls in Purgatory; lost souls. For the repose of the souls of all the faithful departed, may the Lord receive them into the light of Eternal Kingdom.

“Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of His Saints.” ~ Psalm 116:15

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord. And let perpetual light shine upon them. May their gentle souls through the mercy of God rest in perfect peace with our Lord Jesus Christ… Amen 🙏🏽

PRAYER FOR THE DEAD: In your hands, O Lord, we humbly entrust our brothers and sisters. In this life, you embraced them with your tender love; deliver them now from every evil, and bid them eternal rest. The old order has passed away: welcome them into paradise, where there will be no sorrow, no weeping or pain, but fullness of peace and joy with your Son and the Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen🙏🏽✝️🕯✝️🕯✝️🕯

Lord Almighty, we lift our hearts in gratitude for Your unfailing love, protection, and mercy that carried us through the past months. We entrust the days of January into Your hands, asking for Your blessings, guidance, and peace upon our lives and families. May this month be for us a time of renewed faith, deeper hope, and overflowing joy. We pray especially for all families, for children, parents, and teachers, that they may be strengthened and protected. Bless those who will celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, new opportunities, and milestones this month, and comfort those who enter it with heavy hearts or struggles. Lord, go before us, walk beside us, and remain with us always, now and forever. Amen. 🙏🏽

Today, we humbly pray for the poor, abandoned, and those in need, for all those who are marginalized in our society. For those who are imprisoned, especially those who are unjustly imprisoned. We pray for charitable organizations, asking God’s blessing upon their mission and we lift our prayers for peace, love, justice and unity in our families, marriages and our world. May God protect us all and keep us safe and united in peace, love and faith. Amen 🙏🏽

Through the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary on this special Feast day, we lift our prayers for the protection, safety and well-being of healthcare professionals, educators, missionaries, pilots, and all travelers. We ask for healing for the sick and dying, especially those who are suffering from cancers and other terminal diseases, strength for the weary, peace in troubled homes, and provision for all in need. Guide our steps in righteousness, protect us from harm, and fill our hearts with faith, joy, and gratitude. May this month draw us closer to Your will, and may every day be a testimony of Your goodness and mercy in our lives. We begin this month with trust in Your unfailing love, Lord, and we surrender all that lies ahead into Your hands. Amen 🙏🏾

We continue to pray for the Church, the Clergy, our Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, the Cardinals, Bishops, all Priests, that they be sanctified in their ministry to God’s people. We pray for persecuted Christians, for the conversion of sinners, and Christians all over the world suffering from political and religious unrest.

Through the intercession of St. Joseph, we pray for all fathers, mothers, workers, and all those who labor in this world. May the Lord bless the work of their hands, and may God’s grace and mercy be with us all during this season of Advent. Wishing us all and our loved ones a joyful, peaceful, and grace-filled month of January. 🙏🏽

SCRIPTURE REFLECTIONS:

Bible Readings for today’s Holy Mass, Second Week in Ordinary Time | USCCB | https://bible.usccb.org/daily-bible-reading

Today’s Bible Readings: Second Sunday in Ordinary Time | January 18, 2026
Reading 1: Isaiah 49:3, 5–6
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 40:2, 4, 7–8, 8–9, 10
Reading 2: 1 Corinthians 1:1–3
Gospel: John 1:29–34

Gospel Reading ~ John 1:29–34

“Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.”

John the Baptist saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world. He is the one of whom I said, ‘A man is coming after me who ranks ahead of me because he existed before me.’ I did not know him, but the reason why I came baptizing with water was that he might be made known to Israel.” John testified further, saying, “I saw the Spirit come down like a dove from heaven and remain upon him. I did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘On whomever you see the Spirit come down and remain, he is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’ Now I have seen and testified that he is the Son of God.”

In today’s Gospel, John the Baptist points beyond himself and reveals the true identity of Jesus: the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. These words are rich with meaning, echoing the Passover lamb and the suffering servant foretold by the prophets. Jesus is presented not as a political liberator or earthly ruler, but as the One who offers Himself for the salvation of humanity. From the very beginning of His public ministry, Christ is revealed as the One who will redeem through sacrifice and love.

John’s testimony is marked by humility and obedience. He admits that he did not know Jesus fully on his own, but relied on God’s revelation through the Spirit. When the Spirit descends and remains upon Jesus, John recognizes that God’s promise has been fulfilled. This moment teaches us that faith is not rooted merely in personal knowledge or familiarity, but in attentiveness to God’s action. Like John, we are called to witness to Christ not by drawing attention to ourselves, but by pointing others toward Him.

The Gospel also invites us to consider how we recognize Jesus in our own lives. Do we truly behold Him as the Lamb of God, the One who takes away our sin and restores us to grace? Or do we reduce Him to a distant figure rather than a living presence who continues to act through the Holy Spirit? Today’s Gospel urges us to see with eyes of faith and to allow Christ to remain in us, just as the Spirit remained upon Him.

The First Reading from the Book of Isaiah deepens this revelation by presenting the servant of the Lord as one called from the womb and chosen not only for Israel, but as a light to the nations. God declares that it is “too little” for His servant to restore Israel alone; His salvation is meant to reach the ends of the earth. This universal mission finds its fulfillment in Christ, the Lamb of God, whose saving work extends to all people without exception. Through Him, God’s glory is revealed to the world.

The Responsorial Psalm becomes a heartfelt response to this call. “Here am I, Lord; I come to do your will.” True worship, the psalm teaches us, is not merely ritual or sacrifice, but a life of obedience rooted in love. God desires listening hearts and willing lives. When we allow God’s law to dwell within our hearts, our lives become a proclamation of His justice and faithfulness.

In the Second Reading, Saint Paul reminds the Corinthians, and us, that we are called by God’s will to be holy in Christ Jesus. Holiness is not reserved for a select few; it is the vocation of all who belong to Christ. Grace and peace flow from recognizing our identity as God’s chosen people, sanctified not by our merit, but by His initiative.

As we reflect on today’s readings, we are invited to ask ourselves: Do I truly recognize Jesus for who He is in my life? Am I willing, like Isaiah’s servant and John the Baptist, to live my calling faithfully, even when it leads beyond my comfort? Do my actions reflect a heart that says, “Here am I, Lord; I come to do your will”? May this Second Sunday in Ordinary Time renew our awareness of Christ’s saving presence and strengthen our commitment to follow Him with trust and obedience.

Lord Jesus Christ, Lamb of God, You take away the sin of the world and call us into the light of Your salvation. Open our eyes to recognize You more clearly and our hearts to follow You more faithfully. Teach us to listen to Your will, to trust the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and to live as witnesses of Your grace and peace. May our lives proclaim Your glory to the ends of the earth. Amen. 🙏🏽

MEMORIAL OF SAINT PRISCA, VIRGIN AND MARTYR; SAINTS VOLUSIAN, BISHOP AND DEICOLUS, ABBOT AND SAINT MARGARET OF HUNGARY, RELIGIOUS – FEAST DAY ~ JANUARY 18TH: Today, the Church commemorates several holy men and women whose lives reflect unwavering faith, courageous witness, and wholehearted devotion to God. United across different times and vocations, Saint Prisca, Saints Volusian and Deicolus, and Saint Margaret of Hungary remind us that holiness flourishes in youth and old age, in leadership and solitude, in martyrdom and quiet service.

Saints of the Day with Daily Reflections | January 18th https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com

(Direct link to the detailed history of Saint Prisca, Saints Volusian and Deicolus, and Saint Margaret of Hungary | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-january-18th/)

SAINT PRISCA, VIRGIN AND MARTYR: Saint Prisca, also known as Priscilla, was a young martyr of the early Roman Church who bore courageous witness to Christ during the reign of Emperor Claudius II. Though raised in a noble Christian family that practiced the faith discreetly, Prisca openly professed her love for Christ at a very young age. Refusing to sacrifice to pagan gods, she endured imprisonment and torture and remained steadfast even when thrown before a wild lion, which, according to tradition, did her no harm. Her fearless fidelity ultimately led to her martyrdom by beheading. Saint Prisca’s life testifies that true faith, strengthened by grace, knows no age and no fear.

PRAYER: Saint Prisca, courageous virgin and martyr, pray for us that we may profess our faith with boldness and remain faithful to Christ in every trial. Strengthen our hearts to trust in God alone and to love Him above all things. Amen. 🙏🏽

SAINTS VOLUSIAN, BISHOP, AND DEICOLUS, ABBOT: Saint Volusian served as Bishop of Tours during a time of political unrest and persecution. Though of noble rank, he remained faithful to his pastoral mission and suffered exile for the sake of the Church, possibly sealing his witness with martyrdom. Saint Deicolus, an Irish monk and companion of Saint Columban, embraced a life of solitude and prayer, founding the Abbey of Lure and living with deep joy rooted in his union with God. Together, these saints reflect two paths of holiness: steadfast leadership amid adversity and joyful surrender through contemplative solitude.

PRAYER: Saints Volusian and Deicolus, faithful servants of God, intercede for us that we may persevere in faith during trials and find lasting joy in belonging to Christ. Draw our hearts closer to God and help us trust Him in every circumstance. Amen. 🙏🏽

SAINT MARGARET OF HUNGARY, RELIGIOUS: Saint Margaret of Hungary, born a royal princess, was dedicated to God from childhood in thanksgiving for her country’s deliverance from invasion. Raised in a Dominican convent, she freely embraced religious life, rejecting wealth, honor, and political marriage to live in humility, prayer, and service to the poor and sick. Though of royal blood, she chose a hidden life of sacrifice and obedience, becoming a powerful witness to holiness rooted in self-denial and love for God. Her short life bore lasting fruit through miracles and deep devotion.

PRAYER: Saint Margaret of Hungary, humble servant of God, pray for us that we may seek God above all earthly things. Teach us to serve with humility, purity of heart, and generous love, so that we may one day share in eternal glory. Amen. 🙏🏽

Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Prisca, Saints Volusian and Deicolus, and Saint Margaret of Hungary — pray for us. 🙏🏽

GENERAL PRAYERS AND INTENTIONS | PRAYERS FOR PEACE | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/general-prayers-and-intentions/

LIST OF ALL NOVENAS | Month of January | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/list-of-all-novenas-january-2026/

COMMON CATHOLIC PRAYERS | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/common-catholic-prayers/

THE HOLY ROSARY: WHAT IS THE HOLY ROSARY AND WHY DO WE PRAY THE HOLY ROSARY? | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2024/11/21/the-holy-rosary-what-is-the-holy-rosary-and-why-do-we-pray-the-holy-rosary/

Please find below links to the websites for Daily Reflections, Foundation, and interesting topics and articles about our Catholic faith and doctrines | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/01/30/daily-reflections-and-prayer-links/

THE POPE’S MONTHLY INTENTIONS FOR 2026: FOR THE MONTH OF JANUARY: For prayer with the Word of God. Let us pray that praying with the Word of God be nourishment for our lives and a source of hope in our communities, helping us to build a more fraternal and missionary Church.

(https://popesprayerusa.net/popes-intentions/)

MONTH OF THE HOLY NAME OF JESUS: The month of January is traditionally dedicated to the Holy Name of Jesus. After the Blessed Virgin Mary conceived by the Holy Spirit, the Angel Gabriel appeared to St. Joseph told him that the Child’s name should be called Jesus, meaning “God Saves.” According to Jewish law, on the 8th day after his birth, a male child was to be circumcised, receive his name, and become a full member of God’s covenant people. According to the old Roman liturgical calendar, the Feast of the Circumcision of Jesus was celebrated on January 1st, eight days after Christmas, the same day that He was given His sacred name. Currently, we celebrate the Solemnity of the Mother of God on January 1st and honor the Holy Name of Jesus on January 3rd. For Catholics, Jesus’ sacred name is the object of a special devotion symbolized by the monogram “IHS,” (sometimes called a Christogram), which is the first three letters of the Greek spelling of His name.

https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/view.cfm?recnum=12538

PRAYER INTENTIONS: On this Second Sunday in Ordinary Time, as we contemplate Christ revealed as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, we lift our prayers to the Father with trusting hearts. We pray for the Church, that she may faithfully proclaim Christ as the light to the nations, leading all people to salvation through humble witness and obedient service. Inspired by Saint Prisca’s courage, we pray for persecuted Christians and for all who struggle to live their faith openly, that they may be strengthened by the Holy Spirit. Through the examples of Saints Volusian and Deicolus, we pray for bishops, priests, and consecrated persons, that they may shepherd God’s people with fidelity, perseverance, and joy, whether in public ministry or hidden service. Following the humility and self-offering of Saint Margaret of Hungary, we pray for young people and all discerning their vocation, that they may choose God above all else. We also entrust to the Lord our personal intentions, the needs of our families and communities, and all who long to hear God’s call and respond, “Here I am, Lord.”

LET US PRAY:

Lord God, You reveal Your Son as the Lamb who brings salvation to the ends of the earth and call us to be Your servants in the world. Grant us ears open to obedience and hearts ready to do Your will. Through the intercession of Saint Prisca, Saints Volusian and Deicolus, and Saint Margaret of Hungary, strengthen us to witness to Christ with courage, humility, and faithful love. May our lives reflect Your glory, and may we always respond generously to Your call. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽

Save Us, Savior of the World. Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Prisca, Saints Volusian and Deicolus, and Saint Margaret of Hungary ~ Pray for us 🙏🏾

Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in you. Immaculate Heart of Mary, Pray for us. Amen 🙏🏽

As we step forward into this new year, may this sacred season invite us to begin again with renewed faith, deeper trust, and a greater openness to God’s grace. May the peace and steady guidance that flow from walking daily with Christ shape our steps, inform our decisions, and strengthen our resolve to live each day in love and holiness. As we journey through Ordinary Time with hearts open to His continual presence, may God bless all families and loved ones as we embrace the year ahead, and may His light shine brightly in every home. Each day, we pause in gratitude, entrusting our joys and sorrows, successes and shortcomings into God’s merciful hands. We lift our hearts in thanksgiving for the greatest gift ever given: God Himself, present with us each day, bringing hope and salvation into our lives and into the world. May this season of faithful discipleship be grace-filled and purposeful, drawing us ever deeper into a lived relationship with the Lord and the quiet assurance of His abiding presence throughout the year to come. 🙏🏽

Blessings and Love always, Philomena 💖

Daily Reflections with Philomena | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/

Sir G.L.I Opiepe’s Health and Education Foundation | https://gliopiepehe.org

Sir G.L.I Opiepe’s Health and Education Foundation | Global Missions Now Awards |
https://youtu.be/gB31nuOFx0A?si=mSoZs-wiByhGs

North Texas Catholic Magazine | Dr. Philomena Ikowe – Life on Purpose (pages 44-45) | https://www.flipsnack.com/A9DFE877C6F/north-texas-catholic-magazine-mar-apr-issue-2025/full-view.html

Dr. Philomena Ikowe and Her Joyful Catholic Witness | Lights, Catholic, Action! | Podcast Interview | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/dr-philomena-ikowe-and-her-joyful-catholic-witness/