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.

For a Christmas weekday on January 6th, the readings offer a rich tapestry of themes to explore:

• The Victory of Faith: The First Reading from 1 John emphasizes that belief in Jesus as the Son of God is victorious over the world. This theme can be explored in the context of Christmas, where the birth of Jesus signifies the triumph of light over darkness, hope over despair, and faith over doubt.
• The Testimony of Jesus’ Divinity: The First Reading also speaks of the testimony of the Spirit, water, and blood, affirming Jesus’ divinity. This can be connected to the Christmas message of God becoming man in Jesus, and the importance of recognizing and celebrating His divine nature.
• Eternal Life Through Christ: 1 John states that eternal life is in Jesus, and disbelief in Him is akin to denying God Himself. This offers a chance to reflect on the gift of eternal life brought forth by Jesus’ birth and its significance for believers.
• God’s Blessings and Peace: The Responsorial Psalm, Psalm 147, speaks of God blessing His people and bringing peace. This aligns well with the Christmas message of peace on earth and God’s blessings through the birth of Christ.
• The Baptism of Jesus and the Holy Spirit: The Gospel of Mark describes the baptism of Jesus and the proclamation of John the Baptist about a greater baptism with the Holy Spirit. This can lead to discussions on the role of the Holy Spirit in the life of believers, initiated by Jesus’ own baptism and ministry.
• Divine Affirmation of Jesus: The Gospel also details the divine affirmation of Jesus as God’s beloved Son. This is a powerful Christmas theme, reflecting on how Jesus, though born in humble circumstances, is affirmed by God as His beloved.
• The Human and Divine Lineage of Jesus: The alternate Gospel from Luke offers a genealogy of Jesus, tying Him to key figures in Israel's history. This presents an opportunity to reflect on the mystery of the Incarnation, where Jesus is both fully human and fully divine, a central tenet of the Christmas story.

These themes can be woven into homilies, lessons, or discussions to deepen the understanding of the Christmas message and its ongoing relevance, particularly in the context of the liturgical celebration for a Christmas weekday on January 6th.

As we reflect on this Christmas weekday on January 6th, our hearts and minds are invited to dwell on the profound mysteries revealed in today’s readings. These scriptures guide us deeper into the heart of the Christmas season, emphasizing the divinity and humanity of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

In the First Reading for a Christmas Weekday on January 6 from 1 John, we are reminded of the victory that comes through faith in Jesus Christ. John articulates a fundamental Christian belief: Jesus is the Son of God, and this belief has the power to conquer the world. Here, the world represents not just the physical realm but also the challenges, doubts, and despair that can cloud our spiritual journey. The victory of faith is especially poignant during Christmas, a time when we celebrate the birth of Jesus, who entered our world as a beacon of hope and salvation.

This reading also speaks to the testimony of Jesus' divinity affirmed by the Spirit, water, and blood. This trinity of affirmations underscores the profound mystery of the Incarnation: God becoming man to dwell among us. It is a reminder that in Jesus, we see the fullness of God's plan for humanity, a plan that includes our redemption and the offer of eternal life. Disbelief in Jesus, as John warns, is tantamount to denying God Himself, for in Jesus, God has revealed Himself most fully.

The Responsorial Psalm for a Christmas Weekday on January 6, Psalm 147, celebrates the peace and blessings God bestows upon His people. This echoes the angelic proclamation at Jesus' birth, announcing peace on Earth. The psalmist speaks of Jerusalem, symbolizing not just a city but the whole community of God's people, receiving divine peace and abundance. It is a call for us to recognize the blessings in our lives, especially the gift of Jesus Christ, God’s ultimate blessing to humanity.

The Gospel reading from Mark gives us the vivid scene of Jesus' baptism by John in the Jordan River. This event marks the beginning of Jesus' public ministry. The heavens opening and the Spirit descending upon Jesus like a dove are powerful symbols of Jesus' unique relationship with the Father. The divine voice affirming Jesus as the beloved Son is an invitation for us to recognize and accept Jesus’ identity and mission.

The alternate Gospel from Luke presents the genealogy of Jesus, linking Him to key figures in Israel's history. This lineage serves as a bridge between the Old and the New Testament, highlighting Jesus' role in the broader narrative of salvation history. It reminds us of Jesus' human heritage, connecting Him to us in our humanity while also emphasizing His divine origin.

As we reflect on these readings for a Christmas Weekday on January 6, we are called to a deeper understanding and appreciation of the mystery of the Incarnation. Jesus, fully God and fully man, came into our world not just to teach or to heal, but to transform it through His life, death, and resurrection. This Christmas season, let us embrace the fullness of this mystery, allowing our faith in Jesus Christ to conquer our doubts and fears, and lead us to the peace and joy that only He can provide.

Prayer for a Christmas Weekday on January 6

Jesus, teach me to live only to serve the Kingdom of God. Grant me the grace to put the Father's will before my own, just as you did. Amen.

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.

USCCB Reflection: Humility

The USCCB video reflection on the Christmas weekday on January 6th focuses on the humility of John the Baptist as he baptizes Jesus. It highlights John's role as the first evangelist, preparing people for Jesus' coming with a spirit of humility. This humility is not weakness but a recognition of one's role as God's servant. The reflection connects this event to our own baptism, reminding us of our mission to be humble instruments of divine love, mercy, and hope, and to bear witness to the Lord through our words and actions, just like John the Baptist.

What day of the week is a Christmas weekday on January 6?

Traditionally the Feast of Epiphany was held on January 6. In the United States, Epiphany is observed on the Sunday after January 1 instead.

What are the Mass readings for a Christmas weekday on January 6?

• 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

Why are these readings important for understanding the Christmas season?

The readings for a Christmas weekday on January 6 help deepen the understanding of Jesus’ divinity and humanity, emphasizing the mysteries of the Incarnation and Christ's mission.

What themes are explored in the First Reading from 1 John for a Christmas weekday on January 6?

The themes include the victory of faith, the testimony of Jesus' divinity, and eternal life through Christ, relevant to Christmas' message of hope and salvation.

How does Psalm 147, used on a Christmas weekday on January 6, connect to the Christmas message?

Psalm 147, emphasizing God’s blessings and peace, resonates with the Christmas message of peace on Earth and God’s ultimate blessing, Jesus Christ.

What is the focus of the Gospel reading from Mark for a Christmas weekday on January 6?

The focus is on Jesus' baptism and the Holy Spirit's role, highlighting Jesus' divine affirmation and the initiation of His public ministry.

How does the alternate Gospel from Luke for a Christmas weekday on January 6 contribute to our understanding of Jesus?

Luke's genealogy of Jesus ties Him to key historical figures, emphasizing His divine and human heritage, integral to the mystery of the Incarnation celebrated during Christmas.

How does the First Reading for a Christmas weekday on January 6 connect with the overall Christmas narrative?

The First Reading connects with the Christmas narrative by underlining Jesus' role as the conqueror of darkness and despair, a central theme of Christmas.

What does Jesus’ baptism signify in the context of a Christmas weekday on January 6?

Jesus’ baptism signifies the beginning of His ministry, God’s solidarity with humanity, and the introduction of the Holy Spirit, extending the Christmas message of divine intervention.

In what way does the Responsorial Psalm for a Christmas weekday on January 6 reflect the joy of Christmas?

The Responsorial Psalm reflects Christmas joy through its themes of divine peace, abundance, and the unique relationship between God and His people.

Why is the theme of humility important in the readings for a Christmas weekday on January 6?

Humility is important as it's exemplified in Jesus' baptism, where He joins humanity in repentance, reflecting the Incarnation's mystery where God humbly enters the human condition.

How can the readings for a Christmas weekday on January 6 be used in homilies or teachings?

These readings can be used to explore themes of faith, divine solidarity, and the Incarnation's mystery, making them relevant for discussions, homilies, and teachings during the Christmas season.

What message does the genealogy in Luke's Gospel convey for a Christmas weekday on January 6?

The genealogy in Luke's Gospel conveys Jesus’ connection to humanity and divine origin, reinforcing the Christmas message of God becoming man.

How does the Christmas weekday on January 6 help believers reflect on their faith?

It encourages believers to reflect on their faith through the themes of Jesus' divinity, humanity, and the eternal life He offers, integral to the Christmas message.

What can Christians learn from the Christmas weekday on January 6 about Jesus' identity and mission?

Christians can learn about Jesus' dual nature as divine and human, His role in salvation history, and His mission to bring redemption and eternal life, as highlighted in the day's readings.