Christmas Weekday on January 6
Daily Mass Readings for a Christmas Weekday on January 6
- First Reading – 1 John 5:5-13: Belief in Jesus as the Son of God conquers the world. His coming is affirmed by the Spirit, water, and blood. Eternal life is in Him; disbelief equates to denying God.
- Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 147: Jerusalem, honor the Lord for fortifying your gates and blessing your children. He brings peace and abundance to you, uniquely revealing His laws to Israel.
- Gospel – Mark 1:7-11: John the Baptist, proclaiming the coming of one greater than himself, baptized with water but foretold of a baptism with the Holy Spirit by the coming one. Jesus from Nazareth was baptized by John in the Jordan River. Upon emerging, Jesus witnessed the heavens opening, the Spirit descending like a dove upon Him, and heard a divine voice affirming Him as the beloved Son, expressing divine pleasure in Him.
- Alternate Gospel – Luke 3:23-38: At the onset of His ministry around age thirty, Jesus, perceived as the son of Joseph, is traced through a lineage reaching back to Adam and ultimately to God. This genealogy includes notable ancestors like David, Abraham, and Noah, linking Jesus to key figures in Israel’s history and the broader narrative of humanity, emphasizing His divine and human heritage.
Traditionally the Feast of Epiphany was held on January 6. In the United States, Epiphany is observed on the Sunday after January 1 instead. These readings are used if Epiphany is celebrated on January 7 or January 8.
When Jesus began his ministry he was about thirty years of age. He was the son, as was thought, of Joseph…
John 1:51
Themes for the Readings for a Christmas Weekday on January 6
The readings for a Christmas Weekday on January 6 remind us who Jesus is and why believing in Him matters. They point to His identity as the Son of God and the hope of eternal life found in Him.
- Victory through belief in Jesus: The first reading says faith in Jesus helps us overcome the world. Believing in Him gives us strength to resist sin and trust in God’s way.
- Jesus is God’s Son: Both readings speak clearly about Jesus being the Son of God. His baptism shows the Father’s voice calling Him beloved, and the first reading says life is found only in Him.
- The witness of the Spirit: The Spirit appears at Jesus’ baptism and is mentioned in the first reading as a witness. This reminds us that the Holy Spirit helps us know who Jesus is.
- God gives eternal life: The first reading tells us that eternal life is found in Jesus. If we trust in Him, we are promised life that does not end.
- Humility of John the Baptist: John does not point to himself but to Jesus. He knows his role and gives honor to the one who is greater.
- The gift of baptism: Jesus is baptized, even though He is without sin. His baptism shows that He is one with us and marks the beginning of His public mission.
- God’s pleasure in His Son: At the baptism, God shows His love for Jesus. This moment reminds us that God’s love is clear and strong for His Son and also for us who follow Him.
These themes from a Christmas Weekday on January 6 help us reflect on who Jesus is and how we are called to follow Him. They invite us to trust in His love and walk in faith with Him.
Reflection for a Christmas Weekday on January 6
The readings for a Christmas Weekday on January 6 help us reflect on who Jesus is and what it means to believe in Him. We hear about His baptism, the voice from heaven, and the role of John the Baptist. We also read that faith in Jesus brings victory and life. These reflections invite us to think about how we live our faith and how we point others to Jesus.
Victory Comes Through Faith in Jesus
The first reading for a Christmas Weekday on January 6 reminds us that real strength comes from believing in Jesus. The reading says that when we believe Jesus is the Son of God, we have the power to overcome the world. This doesn’t mean that problems disappear, but that we no longer face them alone or without hope.
Faith helps us say no to sin and yes to what is good. We may struggle or fail sometimes, but our belief in Jesus helps us get back up. He gives us peace in hard times and direction when we feel lost. Faith in Him becomes a light we can follow.
It is not always easy to live this way. The world offers many things that try to pull us away from God. But if we keep our trust in Jesus, we find strength we would not have on our own.
On a Christmas Weekday on January 6, we are reminded that victory doesn’t come from having power or success by the world’s standards. It comes from trusting Jesus and choosing to walk in His way. This kind of faith lasts and helps us become people of peace and love.
The Humility of John the Baptist
John the Baptist shows great humility in the Gospel for a Christmas Weekday on January 6. Many people looked up to him, and he could have made himself the center of attention. But John knew that his role was to prepare the way for Jesus, not to take His place.
John calls Jesus the one who is greater. He knows he is not the Savior and points the crowd toward the one who truly brings life. This is a powerful example for us. When we remember that everything good comes from God, we don’t need to seek attention or praise for ourselves.
John’s humility teaches us to be honest about who we are. We are loved by God and called to serve Him, but we are not the center. We are part of His plan, and that is enough. We don’t need to compare ourselves to others or try to be more important.
On a Christmas Weekday on January 6, we can learn from John’s example. When we give God the credit and focus on serving others, we find real joy. Like John, we can prepare the way for Jesus in our own lives by pointing others to Him through kindness and truth.
Jesus Is the Son of God
Both readings for a Christmas Weekday on January 6 point clearly to who Jesus is. The first reading says that eternal life is found only in Him. The Gospel shows the moment when Jesus is baptized and the Father calls Him His beloved Son.
This is not just a title. It tells us something very important. Jesus is fully one with God and came to bring us life. He is not just a teacher or example. He is the one sent to save us and bring us back to God.
At His baptism, the voice from heaven and the Spirit descending show that Jesus is not just another man. He is the one we are meant to follow. Through Him, we come to know God more closely and receive the gift of life that never ends.
On a Christmas Weekday on January 6, we are invited to renew our faith in Jesus as the Son of God. He is our Savior, our guide, and our hope. Believing in Him gives us peace now and prepares us for life that lasts forever.
As we reflect on a Christmas Weekday on January 6, we are reminded to keep our focus on Jesus. He is the Son of God, the one who gives us strength and life. Through His example and the witness of John the Baptist, we are called to live with faith, humility, and love. May these reflections help us grow closer to Him.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for showing us who You are. Help us to trust You more each day. Teach us to walk in faith, to live with humility, and to love others as You love us. Amen.
Reflection Questions
- What does it mean to live with faith in Jesus each day?
- How can I follow John the Baptist’s example of humility?
- Do I truly believe that Jesus is the Son of God?
- What distractions keep me from giving honor to Jesus?
- How can I help others see Jesus in my words and actions?
Homilies and Commentaries for a Christmas Weekday on January 6
Word on Fire: Embarrassing
On this Christmas weekday on January 6, Bishop Robert Barron reflects on the irony and humility in Jesus’ baptism. It initially seems embarrassing that Jesus, the sinless Son of God, sought a baptism of repentance. Yet, this act is a profound teaching moment. Jesus, without sin, willingly joins sinners, symbolically taking on humanity’s burden. This gesture of God humbly standing with us in our sinfulness is at the heart of Christian faith, illustrating a deep reversal and divine solidarity with humanity.
Questions and Answers for a Christmas Weekday on January 6
What are the Mass readings for a Christmas Weekday on January 6?
The Mass readings for a Christmas weekday on January 6 are:
First Reading – 1 John 5:5-13: Belief in the Son Brings Life
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 147: Jerusalem’s Blessing and Peace
Gospel – Mark 1:7-11: Jesus’ Baptism
Alternate Gospel – Luke 3:23-38: Jesus’ Genealogy
Traditionally the Feast of Epiphany was held on January 6. In the United States, Epiphany is observed on the Sunday after January 1 instead. These readings are used if Epiphany is celebrated on January 7 or January 8.
What does it mean to overcome the world?
It means we do not let sin, fear, or the ways of the world pull us away from God. Faith in Jesus helps us choose what is right and follow God’s way.
Why is belief in Jesus important?
Believing in Jesus is how we receive eternal life. It is also how we grow in love, trust, and strength to follow God.
What is meant by water, blood, and Spirit in the first reading?
These show that Jesus came in a real, human way. Water points to His baptism, blood points to His death, and the Spirit confirms the truth about Him.
What is the message of the baptism in the Gospel?
It shows that Jesus is truly the Son of God. God is pleased with Him, and the Spirit rests on Him.
Why did Jesus get baptized even though He had no sin?
Jesus was baptized to show He is with us and shares our journey. It was also the start of His public mission.
What does it mean that Jesus is God’s Son?
It means Jesus comes from God in a unique way. He is close to the Father and shares His love with us.
Why is John the Baptist important in a Christmas Weekday on January 6?
John helps us understand who Jesus is. He points people to Jesus and shows how to live with humility.
How can I live out the message of a Christmas Weekday on January 6?
You can believe in Jesus, stay humble like John, and remember that Jesus gives life. You can also trust in His words and live in a way that honors Him.
Why does the Church read about the baptism of Jesus during Christmas?
It reminds us that Jesus came to live among us and be one with us. His baptism shows the beginning of His mission to save us.
How can I know I believe in the Son of God?
You can look at your choices. If you follow His words, love others, and trust Him, your life shows belief.
What does a Christmas Weekday on January 6 teach us about God’s love?
It shows us that God sent His Son to be with us. Through Jesus, we are loved, guided, and given new life.
What should I do if my faith feels weak?
Pray and ask for help. Keep learning about Jesus, talk to Him, and remember that faith grows step by step.
What does the voice from heaven mean?
It means that God is pleased with Jesus and wants us to listen to Him. It shows that Jesus is truly from God.
Jesus Is the Son of God
On a Christmas Weekday on January 6, the readings point to the truth of who Jesus is. The first reading reminds us that believing in Jesus is the key to victory over sin and fear. It says that real life—eternal life—is found in Him.
The Gospel tells the story of Jesus being baptized by John in the Jordan River. Even though Jesus had no sin, He chose to be baptized to show He was fully with us. In that moment, the Spirit came down, and a voice from heaven called Him the beloved Son.
This shows that Jesus is not only one with us but also fully loved by the Father. God speaks clearly about Jesus’ place and purpose. On a Christmas Weekday on January 6, we are reminded that we are invited to believe in Jesus and follow Him in faith.
The readings give us a strong message of hope. We are not alone. Jesus has come, and through Him, we are offered life, strength, and peace.
Your Turn
Take time to reflect on the message of a Christmas Weekday on January 6. Read the scriptures and think about what it means to believe that Jesus is the Son of God.
Consider how your own faith helps you face struggles or questions in life. Share your thoughts in the comment section. Your experience may encourage someone else to grow in faith and trust in God.
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