"We are a community of disciples inspired by the Holy Spirit to be living witnesses for transformation in Christ to bring about a world of justice, human development and true peace."
A blessed and hope-filled New Year to you and your family!
Reflection for January 2026 (Liturgical Year - Cycle A, Year II)
Community Word
Jesus, Light of the world, is the Revelation of God’s love.
Order
“Arise…for your light has come…” (Is 60:1a)
Reflection
Our Community for January tells us – Jesus, Light of the world, is the Revelation of God’s love. All of salvation history reveals that Jesus Christ is the Light sent by the Father to dispel the darkness of sin and death, and to reveal His unfailing love for humanity. In Christ, the hidden mystery of God’s saving plan has been made visible; He is both the radiant Light that guides and the embodiment of the Father’s love. His coming fulfills the prophecy of Isaiah, who spoke of a great Light shining upon those who walked in darkness. To believe in Christ is to walk no longer in fear or confusion, but in the brightness of God’s truth. His light transforms hearts and communities, teaching us to love as He loved. It calls us to obedience, to humility, to bear witness, and to serve in unity. Truly, in Jesus we encounter both the brilliance of divine glory and the tenderness of God’s merciful love.
On the Feast of the Epiphany of the Lord, our theme is: We follow the light of Christ when we worship and offer Him our treasures. Like the Magi, we are invited to follow the light of Christ with hearts ready to worship. Their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh symbolize the offering of their lives, just as we are called to offer Jesus our time, talents, treasures, and devotion. True worship is not only through prayers, but it is lived in daily surrender and self-giving. When we lay our treasures at the feet of Christ, we acknowledge His lordship and open our hearts to His transforming glory. God fulfills His promise by letting His light shine upon us, so that we may radiate His love in our lives. Worship, then, becomes both an encounter and a witness, adoring Jesus and making Him known to others, fulfilling the promise: “Then you will see, and you will overflow, and your heart will be amazed…” (Is 60:5)
On the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, our theme is: We follow the light of Christ when we listen to the voice of the Father calling for justice and righteousness. At His baptism, Jesus was revealed as the beloved Son in whom the Father is well pleased. This voice affirms not only Christ’s mission but also our call as His followers: to live in righteousness and justice. To listen to the Father is to obey His will, to defend truth, and to walk humbly with Him. Discipleship requires that we attune our hearts to God’s voice, even when it calls us to sacrifice or to stand for what is right. By doing so, we reflect the life of Christ who came to heal, forgive, and restore. Pleasing the Father means letting His Spirit guide us to live justly, so that our lives may echo the mission of His beloved Son. Just as the Father affirmed Jesus, we too will be affirmed as spoken in the prophecy of Isaiah: “I have called you for the victory of justice, I have grasped you by the hand …a light for the nations,” (Is 42: 6).
For the Feast of Sto. Nino (Philippine Districts), the theme is: We follow the light of Christ when we embrace childlike humility and trust in Jesus. The Santo Niño reminds us that the way to God’s kingdom is through childlike faith. To be childlike is not to be immature, but to approach God with humility, trust, and openness. Jesus teaches that the greatest in the kingdom are those who do not rely on their own strength but on God’s loving care. When we humble ourselves like children, we become more receptive to God’s grace and guidance. We let go of pride and embrace the simplicity of trusting in His will. In such humility, God’s light shines through us with sincerity and purity of heart, leading others to encounter His love. Because Jesus promises us: “Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” (Mt 18:4)
For the 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time (International Districts), the theme is: We follow the light of Christ when we proclaim and bear witness to Him as our Lord and Savior. John the Baptist fulfilled his mission by pointing others to Jesus: “Behold, the Lamb of God.” Like him, we are called to bear witness to Christ in both word and deed. Our witness is seen when we live with integrity, forgive as we have been forgiven, and serve with compassion. By proclaiming Christ through our lives, we allow His light to reach those still searching in darkness. God assures us that this mission is not ours alone. He equips us with His Spirit so that His salvation may reach to the ends of the earth. Bearing witness is our response to His love and our way of participating in His saving work. This is His promise: “I will make you a light to the nations, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.” (Is 49:6b)
Finally, for the 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time, our theme is: We follow the light of Christ when we spread the Good News in love and unity. Jesus began His mission proclaiming the kingdom of God, calling disciples to follow Him and making them “fishers of men.” As members of His Church, we share this same mission: to be one in faith and to announce the Good News. Division weakens our witness, but unity in Christ strengthens the message we bring to the world. When we live and proclaim the Gospel together, Christ’s light shines brightly through us, dispelling darkness and drawing others to God. Our unity becomes a testimony of His love, and our mission an extension of His saving work. God fulfills His promise by making His light visible through our common witness – “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.” (Is 9:1a)
Prayer
Heavenly Father, we give You thanks for revealing to us Jesus, the Light of the world, our Lord and Savior. He is Your beloved Son, the fullness of Your love for all people. Through His life and ministry on earth, You continue to call us to follow His light in our worship, in listening to Your voice and reflecting on Your words, in living with humility, in witnessing the Gospel to others and in proclaiming Your word in unity. Grant us the grace to remain steadfast in this call, that our lives may reflect the radiance of Christ’s truth and love. May the Holy Spirit strengthen us to walk as true disciples, bringing the light of salvation to those who still dwell in darkness. This we ask through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Directions
1. Be steadfast in giving your time, talent and treasure as you serve our community.
2. Perform works of mercy as your gift to the Child Jesus.
3. Offer prayers for BLD members through the loving intercession of our Blessed Mother.
4. Continue praying the BLD Unity Prayer during worship and WSC.
5. Pray for the upcoming IDC8, a gathering of BLD global leaders in February.
Sunday Readings (Cycle A - Year II)
January 4, 2026 – Is 60:1-6/ Ps 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-11, 12-13/ Eph 3:2-3A, 5-6/ Mt 2:1-12
January 11, 2026 – Is 42:1-4, 6-7/ Ps 29:1-2, 3-4, 3, 9-10/ Acts 10:34-38/ Mt 3:13-17
January 18, 2026 (Int’l) – Is 49:3, 5-6/ Ps 40:2, 4, 7-8, 8-9, 10/ 1 Cor 1:1-3/ Jn 1:29-34
January 18, 2026 (Phil) – Is 9:1-6/ Ps 98:1-6/ Eph 1:3-6,15-18/ Mt 18:1–5, 10
January 25, 2026 – Is 8:23-9:3/ Ps 27:1, 4, 13-14/ 1Cor 1:10-13, 17/ Mt 4:12-23
Monthly: Word, Order, Prophesies and Directions (As provided by bldworld.org)