Christmas Weekday on January 3

• First Reading - 1 John 2:29-3:6: Believers in God's righteousness are His children, unrecognized by the world. Our future form is unknown, but we'll mirror His likeness, purifying ourselves in hope and refraining from sin.
• Responsorial Psalm - Psalm 98: The world celebrates God's marvelous deeds and victory. Every land has seen His salvation, inspiring joyful songs, music, and praises in the presence of the Lord.
• Gospel - John 1:29-34: As Jesus approached, John the Baptist proclaimed Him the Lamb of God, destined to remove the world's sins. John explained his initial unawareness of Jesus' identity, revealing that his own baptism ministry aimed to unveil Jesus to Israel. He recounted witnessing the Spirit descend upon Jesus, confirming his realization that Jesus is the Son of God, as foretold to him.

The Mass readings for a Christmas weekday on January 3 present several intertwining themes that are deeply rooted in the mystery of the Incarnation and the revelation of Jesus Christ:

• Divine Sonship and Our Identity in God: The first reading from 1 John emphasizes that believers are God's children, a status not yet fully understood by the world. This theme invites reflection on our own identity as children of God, made possible through Jesus Christ, the Son of God. The reading encourages a meditation on the dignity and destiny of the Christian, called to be like Christ and to live in hope and purity.
• The Mystery of the Incarnation: Both the first reading and the Gospel touch upon the profound mystery of God becoming man. The first reading speaks of how we shall be transformed to be like Him, which is a direct consequence of the Incarnation. The Gospel narrates John the Baptist's recognition of Jesus as the Lamb of God, further unfolding the mystery of Jesus as both fully human and divine.
• Recognition and Revelation of Jesus: The Gospel highlights John the Baptist's role in revealing Jesus to Israel. John's testimony that Jesus is the Son of God and the Lamb who takes away the sin of the world is central. This theme invites us to ponder on how we, too, are called to recognize Jesus in our lives and bear witness to Him.
• Salvation and Redemption: The Responsorial Psalm (Psalm 98) and the Gospel both speak of salvation. The psalm celebrates God’s marvelous deeds and His victory, a clear reference to the salvation brought about by Jesus. The Gospel, with its focus on Jesus as the one who removes the world's sins, deepens our understanding of His redemptive mission.
• Joy and Praise: Psalm 98, with its call for joyful songs and music in praise of the Lord, complements the Christmas theme of joy. The joy comes from recognizing God's saving actions and His continuous presence in the world, as well as in our own lives.
• Call to Holiness and Transformation: Stemming from the first reading, there's a call to live a life of holiness, refraining from sin, and purifying ourselves. This theme aligns with the Christmas message, as the birth of Christ offers a new beginning and a call to live in the light of His teachings.
• Hope and Anticipation: There is an undercurrent of hope throughout these readings. The first reading speaks of the hope in what we shall become through Christ, and the Gospel carries the hope John the Baptist had in revealing Jesus to Israel.

In summary, the themes for a Christmas weekday on January 3 center around divine sonship, the Incarnation, the recognition and revelation of Jesus, salvation and redemption, joy and praise, a call to holiness and transformation, and hope and anticipation. These themes are essential for reflection, especially in the context of the joy and mystery of the Christmas season.

In the Gospel reading for the Christmas weekday on January 3, we encounter the profound and transformative moment when John the Baptist recognizes Jesus as the Lamb of God. This recognition is not just a title; it is a revelation of Jesus' mission and identity. John's declaration, "Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world," invites us into a deeper understanding of the Christmas mystery. The joy and wonder of Christ's birth find their true meaning in His ultimate sacrifice for humanity's salvation.

This moment in the Gospel bridges the joyous celebration of the Incarnation with the solemn anticipation of the Paschal Mystery. As we reflect on this passage, we are called to appreciate more deeply the breadth of Jesus' mission, which began in the humility of the manger and led to the selfless sacrifice on the cross.

John's testimony also reveals the transformative power of the Holy Spirit. He recounts how he did not recognize Jesus at first, but through the Spirit's descent, he comes to the profound realization of who Jesus truly is. This encounter reminds us of the essential role of the Holy Spirit in our own faith journey.

Just as John was enlightened by the Spirit to recognize Jesus, we too are dependent on the Spirit's guidance to discern Christ's presence in our lives. In the Christmas season, as we celebrate God becoming man, this Gospel passage calls us to be open to the workings of the Holy Spirit, enabling us to recognize the divine in our midst – in the sacraments, in Scripture, and in our daily interactions.

Lastly, the Gospel passage underscores the role of Christian witness. John the Baptist's primary mission was to prepare the way for Jesus and to reveal Him to Israel. This role of revealing Christ to others is not confined to John but is a calling for all Christians.

As we continue to revel in the joy of Christmas, we are reminded that our celebration of Christ's birth is not just a personal experience but a call to witness. We are invited to share the joy, hope, and love we find in Jesus with the world around us. In doing so, we continue the mission of John the Baptist, acting as modern-day heralds of the Good News, revealing the presence of Christ, the Lamb of God, to a world in dire need of His saving grace.

Prayer

Jesus, help me have the courage and faith to tell others about how you are present in my life. I want others to know you also. Amen.

Word on Fire: Baptism Is a Door

Bishop Robert Barron, in his reflection for a Christmas weekday on January 3, emphasizes that Christianity is more than just being good or moral. He explains that through Baptism, described as "the door to the spiritual life," Christians are grafted onto Christ and become part of His Mystical Body. This sacrament, done in the name of the Trinity, is not merely a ritual but an invitation into the inner life of God, embodying the relationship between the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Thus, Baptism is fundamentally about grace and our incorporation into God's divine life, transcending mere ethical living.

USCCB Reflection: The Mystery of the Incarnation

The USCCB video reflection for a Christmas weekday on January 3 highlights the continued celebration of the Incarnation. It emphasizes the importance of starting the new year with spiritual resolutions, inspired by the closeness of God in the Incarnation. The reflection suggests focusing on growing closer to God, responding to His immense love with faith and gratitude. It advises that our resolutions should stem from and return to God's love, avoiding the trap of becoming burdensome. The ultimate goal is to deepen our faith in God's love daily, finding joy and peace through His grace and strength in the new year.

What day of the week is a Christmas weekday on January 3?

What are the Mass readings for a Christmas weekday on January 3?

• First Reading - 1 John 2:29-3:6: Children of God
• Responsorial Psalm - Psalm 98: Universal Celebration of Salvation
• Gospel - John 1:29-34: John Identifies the Messiah

What themes are emphasized in the liturgy for the Christmas weekday on January 3?

Themes for the Christmas weekday on January 3 include the mystery of the Incarnation, divine sonship, the role of the Holy Spirit in recognizing Jesus, and the importance of Christian witness.

How does the first reading from 1 John relate to the Christmas season?

The first reading from 1 John for the Christmas weekday on January 3 discusses believers as children of God, a concept that ties directly to the Incarnation and our adoption into God's family through Jesus Christ, celebrated during the Christmas season.

What is the significance of Psalm 98 in the context of the Christmas weekday on January 3?

Psalm 98, often used as the Responsorial Psalm for the Christmas weekday on January 3, celebrates God’s marvelous deeds and salvation, which aligns with the joy and thanksgiving themes of the Christmas season.

Can you explain the relevance of John the Baptist's testimony in the Gospel reading for the Christmas weekday on January 3?

John the Baptist's testimony in the Gospel for the Christmas weekday on January 3 is crucial as it recognizes Jesus as the Lamb of God and the Son of God, underlining the significance of Jesus’ mission, which began with His birth – a central focus of the Christmas season.

How do the scripture readings for the Christmas weekday on January 3 enhance our understanding of the Christmas message?

The readings for the Christmas weekday on January 3 deepen our understanding of Christmas by emphasizing our relationship with God as His children, celebrating Jesus' role in our salvation, and calling us to witness and recognize His presence in our lives.

What themes from the the Christmas weekday on January 3 readings can be applied in daily life?

The themes of divine sonship, salvation, recognition of Jesus, and the call to holiness and witness, as presented in the the Christmas weekday on January 3 readings, can inspire daily life choices, guiding us to live in a way that reflects our Christian identity and faith.

How does the Gospel reading for the Christmas weekday on January 3 connect with the theme of the Incarnation?

The Gospel reading for the Christmas weekday on January 3, featuring John the Baptist's recognition of Jesus, connects with the Incarnation theme by highlighting Jesus’ divine mission and identity, which began with His birth and was manifested throughout His life and ministry.

Are there specific reflection points to consider from the Christmas weekday on January 3 readings?

For the Christmas weekday on January 3, reflect on the unique role of Jesus as the Lamb of God, our own identity as children of God, and how we can witness to Christ's love and salvation in our own lives.

What is the importance of the phrase “Lamb of God” in the the Christmas weekday on January 3 Gospel reading?

The phrase “Lamb of God” in the the Christmas weekday on January 3 Gospel reading is significant as it refers to Jesus' role in taking away the sins of the world, connecting to His sacrificial death and the salvation He offers, an essential part of the Christmas story.

How can the Christmas weekday on January 3 readings inspire spiritual growth in the new year?

The readings for the Christmas weekday on January 3, with their focus on divine sonship, salvation, and Christian witness, can motivate spiritual growth by encouraging a deeper relationship with God and a commitment to living out the Gospel in the new year.