Homily: Janaury 18, 2026, Second Sunday in Ordinary Time (Life mission )

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 “I will make you a light to the nations, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.”

These words from the prophet Isaiah are not only ancient poetry, they are also personal. God was speaking to Israel, telling them His plans. He is also speaking to us now, sharing the same vision He has for us.

They echo what St. Peter affirms us in his epistle: “You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people of his own… called out of darkness into his marvelous light.”

Last Sunday we reflected on the identity that we are beloved children of God. His heir, and His beloved.

This Sunday, the Church asks us to reflect on the question that follows: If this is who you are, then what are you called to do?

Your life is not random. You exist not by accident. You live, not just to survive till death. The truth is, your existence is planned, you are entrusted with a mission.

Imagine Isaiah standing here today and saying to you: “I will make YOU a light to the nations.”

Not anyone else with greater talent, more worthy nor holier. But You.

Through baptism, God pulled you out of darkness and placed His light within you: not to hide it, but to shine it.

So many of us struggle to find the purpose of our lives, and often we look to the wrong sources for answers. We look at others who seem happier, wealthier, healthier, more comfortable, more successful, more intelligent and we think that we should all live like them. And after trying, we end up miserable and lost.

St. John Henry Newman said, “God has created me to do Him some definite service. He has committed some work to me which He has not committed to another. I have my mission.”

That mission is mine, not for others. It may never make headlines or look impressive to the world, but it matters to God. He planned the mission and planted it in our being.

And if you feel you have missed it, that your life has taken wrong turns, and it is too late to get back on track, do not be afraid. Our God specializes in redemption, restoration, re-routing. He can bring fruit even from broken ground, He can revive what has gone dead, He can re-route and bring us back onto the right direction.

But what should we do for our part?

First: Enter into a real relationship with Jesus.

Recognize that Jesus is a real person, connect with Him like you would a real good friend. God says through Jeremiah: “When you seek me with all your heart, you will find me.” (29.13) So go to Jesus with all sincerity.

I can say this from my own life experience. I have had many plans but up to this point, I look back and see how all my plans for success have failed, but everything panned out nicely according to His plan. I have learnt this truth: God is less concerned with my plans than with my closeness to Him.

Second: Offer everything to Jesus. Everything. Your plans. Your fears. Your disappointments. Your dreams. When we surrender totally to Him, God does not diminish us to nothing. Instead, He redirects and reconfigures everything we place before Him, into something greater and better.

Years ago, when I completed my theology studies, I had very clear ideas what to do next for myself, I had my plans for post-graduation studies. I knew exactly the subject I wanted to take up, the university to go to. I was confident and excited about my perfect plan.

When I shared my plans with my bishop, his response was surprised and shook me. He proposed a different subject, a different university, a path I have never imagined and did not want, honestly.

Being a priest, I had to obey, that was my only option and I could only do one thing, to surrender to His will, offer up my resistance and move forward obediently. 

Only much later, with hindsight, did I begin to understand why God led me that way. What felt like a complete deviation from my plans was actually the best direction forward for me. What felt like loss was actually preparation for something bigger.

Often, God’s purpose for our life is revealed not when our plans succeed, but when they collapse.

Third: Trust God, even when the path is hard. Being a light to the nations does not mean life will be easy. It often involves struggle, sacrifice, and patience. As Pope Benedict XVI said: “The world offers you comfort. But you were not made for comfort. You were made for greatness.”

And finally, remember this promise: Life in Christ is an abundant life. Jesus says, “I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.”

Not a small life. Not a fearful life. Not a meaningless life. But a life filled with purpose, peace, and hope.

You are beloved. You are chosen. You are purposeful.

May we live in that truth always and allow God to shine through us, so that His salvation may reach far beyond us.

Amen.


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