This week’s Gospel message for Sunday, January 8th is from Matthew 2:1-12.
“. . . And behold, the star that [the magi] had seen at its rising preceded them, until it came and stopped over the place where the child was. 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. Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed for their country by another way.”
“Have you ever gone to a party with a gift, only to arrive and realize that the gift is wholly inappropriate for the recipient or the occasion? Imagine what the magi felt with their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh when they walked into the stable where Jesus was born. Despite the humble surroundings and humble parents, they recognized the king and presented their most appropriate gifts.” SOURCE: Pastoral Patterns, Winter 2022-2023
DAILY READINGS FOR THE WEEK
Monday Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7; Matthew 3:13-17
The Baptism of the Lord (Feast) – “The Baptism of Jesus Christ was originally celebrated on Epiphany along with two other gospel events: the coming of the Magi and the wedding at Cana. But over time it came to be celebrated as a distinct feast from Epiphany. In 1955, Pope Pius XII officially instituted a separate celebration of Christ’s Baptism.”
Tuesday Hebrews 2:5-12; Mark 1:21-28
Wednesday Hebrews 2:14-18; Mark 1:29-39
Thursday Hebrews 3:7-14; Mark 1:40-45
Friday Hebrews 4:1-5, 11; Mark 2:1-12
Saturday Hebrews 4:12-16; Mark 2:13-17
SOURCE: Living With Christ, January 2023
“Every soul purified through baptism
and raised to the state of grace
is thereby conceived through Christ
and is born for his sake.”
—St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (Edith Stein)