This week’s Gospel message for Sunday, January 3rd is from Matthew 2:1-12.
“When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the days of King Herod, behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, ‘Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage’ . . . They were overjoyed at seeing the star, and on entering the house they saw the child with Mary his mother. They prostrated themselves and did him homage. ”
“The shepherds heard the glorious announcement on the night Jesus was born, but they were nearby and found the stable without a problem. The magi, however, required a journey of many days. But signs—an angel, a star—came to both, for there are no boundaries to God’s invitation.” Source: Pastoral Patterns, Winter 2020-2021
DAILY READINGS FOR THE WEEK
Monday 1 John 3:22—4:6; Matthew 4:12-17, 23-25
Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, Religious (Memorial) – “She founded the Sisters of Charity, the first community of active women religious begun in America.”
Tuesday 1 John 4:7-10; Mark 6:34-44
Saint John Neumann, Bishop (Memorial) – “Born in Bohemia, John Neumann emigrated as a missionary to America. He joined the Redemptorist Order in Pittsburgh and was consecrated bishop of Philadelphia. Devoted to spreading God’s word by preaching and building churches, he was a strong advocate of Catholic education.”
Wednesday 1 John 4:11-18; Mark 6:45-52
Thursday 1 John 4:19—5:4; Luke 4:14-22a
Friday 1 John 5:5-13; Luke 5:12-16
Saturday 1 John 5:14-21; John 3:22-30
Source: Living With Christ, January 2021