Echoing God’s Word

Reflections on the readings from the Lectionary

Reflections on the readings from the Lectionary by Rev. Clement D. Thibodeau (1932-2017)

Click on the date to read the reflection...

Solemnity of the Nativity of Our Lord - December 25, 2025

Isaiah: 52:7-12 - Sing for joy. There is good news coming!
Hebrews 1:1-6 - Now God speaks to the people through the Son.
John 1:1-18 - The Word of God is one with us, living in our midst.

Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph - December 28, 2025

Sirach 3:2-6,12-14 - Respect and kindness in families bring blessings.
Psalm 128:1-5 - Care for the family gently if you fear the Lord.
Colossians 3:12-21 - Practice humility and thankfulness at home.
Matthew 2:13-15,19-23 - The Holy Family escapes danger.

Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God - January 1, 2026

Numbers 6:22-27 - Aaron blesses the people of Israel in God’s name.
Galatians 4:4-7 - God blesses time by sending his Son in history.
Luke 2:16-21 - On the eighth day, the Child is named.

Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord - January 4, 2026

Isaiah 60:1-6 - All nations are invited to praise God. 
Ephesians 3:2-3a,5-6 - All have been called to hear the Good News. 
Matthew 2:1-12 - The nations come to worship the Christ. 

Feast of the Baptism of Our Lord - January 11, 2026

Isaiah 42:1-4,6-7 - God’s servant will bring sight to the blind. 
Acts 10:34-38 - God has anointed Jesus of Nazareth as Messiah and Lord.
Matthew 3:13-17 - Jesus is the beloved Son of the Father.

Second Sunday of Ordinary Time - January 18, 2026

Isaiah 49:3-6 - God uses One who was rejected to bring salvation.
1 Corinthians 1:1-3 - We have been called into fellowship with Christ.
John 1:29-34 - Jesus is the Lamb who will be sacrificed for us.

Third Sunday of Ordinary Time - January 25, 2026

Isaiah 8:23-9:3 - God’s light will shine in places of darkness.
1 Corinthians 1:10-17 - Christians are called to perfect unity. 
Matthew 4:12-23 - Jesus begins his ministry in Galilee. 

Fourth Sunday of Ordinary Time - February 1, 2026

Zephaniah 2:3,3:12-13 - Safety can be found only in humility and justice. 
1 Corinthians 1:26-31 - God chooses the lowly to show forth his power. 
Matthew 5:1-12a - Righteousness comes from dependence on God. 

Fifth Sunday of Ordinary Time - February 8, 2026

Isaiah 58:7-10 - Showing compassion is like a light shining in the dark. 
1 Corinthians 2:1-5 - God’s wisdom does not rest on human intelligence. 
Matthew 5:13-16 - Salt and light do not exist for their own sake.

Sixth Sunday of Ordinary Time - February 15, 2026

Sirach 15:15-20 - Sin is our fault, not God’s. 
1 Corinthians 2:6-10 - God’s wisdom is given to us through the Spirit. 
Matthew 5:17-37 - Jesus restores the spiritual meaning of the Law. 

First Sunday of Lent - February 22, 2026

Genesis 2:7-9; 3:1-7 - The human race rebels against God. 
Romans 5:12-19 - Disobedience of Adam; Obedience of Christ. 
Matthew 4:1-11 - Jesus defines his mission through testing.

Second Sunday of Lent - March 1, 2026

Genesis 12:1-4 - God calls Abraham to make of him a blessing. 
2 Timothy 1:8-10 - God calls us in Christ to life everlasting. 
Matthew 17:1-9 - The light of divine life shines through Jesus. 

Third Sunday of Lent - March 8, 2026

Exodus 17:3-7 - In the desert, Israel thirsted for more than water. 
Romans 5:1-2,5-8 - God has loved us to the point of giving his Son's life. 
John 4:5-42 - The Woman of Samaria thirsted for eternal life.

Fourth Sunday of Lent - March 15, 2026

1 Samuel 16:6-7,10-13 - The Lord chose David to be a king pure of heart. 
Ephesians 5:8-14 - Christ calls us to be holy and to love tenderly. 
John 9:1-41 - The touch of Christ brings light to one living in darkness. 

Fifth Sunday of Lent - March 22, 2026

Ezekiel 37:12-14 - God will restore Israel to life and to land. 
Romans 8:8-11 - The Spirit in us grants resurrection already. 
John 11:1-45 - Jesus gives new life to Lazarus who had died.

Palm Sunday - March 29, 2026

Procession:
Matthew 21:1-11 - Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Mass:
Isaiah 50:4-7 - The Servant does not avoid humiliation and torture.
Philippians 2:6-11 - Jesus is humble and obedient and is raised up.
Matthew 26:14-27:66 - The Passion and death of Jesus Christ.