Monday after Epiphany

• First Reading – 1 John 3:22–4:6: We know we are in God by following his commandments and testing spirits. Those who confess Christ belong to God. We recognize truth and falsehood by who accepts or rejects God.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 2: God promises his Son all nations as an inheritance. Rulers are urged to serve the Lord with reverence, celebrating and rejoicing in his presence with awe.
• Gospel – Matthew 4:12-17, 23-25: After John’s arrest, Jesus began his ministry in Galilee, preaching repentance and healing the sick. His fame spread, and people from all over brought him those in need, and he healed them all.

The people who sit in darkness have seen a great light, on those dwelling in a land overshadowed by death light has arisen.

Matthew 4:16

On the Monday after Epiphany, the readings from 1 John and the Gospel of Matthew focus on recognizing Jesus and staying true to the faith. The themes highlight how we are called to listen, follow, and trust in Christ.

• Listening to God’s commands: In 1 John 3:22, we are reminded that keeping God’s commandments is central to our relationship with Him. Obeying His will brings us closer to Him and aligns us with the truth.
• Testing the spirits: 1 John 4:1 tells us to test the spirits to see if they are from God. This means being careful to follow only what is truly good and true, not false teachings.
• Jesus as the Light: In Matthew 4:12-17, Jesus begins His ministry by preaching to those in darkness. He brings hope and a message of repentance, calling people to turn back to God.
• Call to repentance: Jesus’ message is simple: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” This is a call for all people to change their hearts and lives to follow God.
• Healing and compassion: In Matthew 4:23-25, Jesus heals many who are sick or suffering. His compassion shows us how much He cares for each person’s needs, both spiritual and physical.
• Spreading the Good News: Jesus traveled through Galilee, spreading the message of the Gospel. His actions remind us that we too are called to share the Good News with others.

The Monday after Epiphany reminds us to focus on Christ’s message and follow His example. We are called to trust in Him, listen to His teachings, and live in a way that brings others to Him.

The Monday after Epiphany invites us to reflect on the beginnings of Jesus’ ministry and the call to live in truth. The readings remind us to stay focused on Christ, follow His teachings, and avoid false paths. They call us to repentance, hope, and the light of God’s truth in our lives.

Testing the Spirits

The first reading on the Monday after Epiphany encourages us to test the spirits to see if they are from God. This means we should be careful not to believe everything we hear or see, but instead, compare it to what we know is good and true. There are many voices in the world that can distract or lead us away from God’s message.

Testing the spirits means staying close to what Jesus teaches us. We should ask ourselves if something helps us grow in love and faith, or if it pulls us away from following Jesus. By staying rooted in the teachings of Christ, we can better understand what is truly from God.

On the Monday after Epiphany, this reminder is especially important. We live in a world full of noise and confusion, but God’s truth is clear. By seeking His guidance and trusting in His words, we can avoid false teachings and stay on the right path.

Jesus Brings Hope to Darkness

In the Gospel reading for the Monday after Epiphany, Jesus begins His ministry by going to people who are living in darkness. These are people who are far from God, stuck in their sins, or who feel lost. Jesus brings them hope and a message that can change their lives, telling them to repent and turn back to God.

This message is not just for those in Jesus’ time; it is for us too. We all experience moments when we feel far from God, or when we are unsure of the way forward. Jesus invites us to repent, to change our direction, and come back to the light. He shows us that no matter how lost we feel, there is always a way back to God.

On the Monday after Epiphany, we are reminded that Jesus brings hope to every dark place. He calls us to repent, not to make us feel guilty, but to help us find true peace and joy in following Him. When we answer His call, we can begin to live in His light.

Living in the Truth

Both the first reading and the Gospel on the Monday after Epiphany focus on truth. In the first reading, we are told to test the spirits, to seek what is true and reject what is false. In the Gospel, Jesus brings a message of truth to people living in darkness. Truth is at the heart of both readings.

Living in the truth means accepting God’s message and following it in our daily lives. It means recognizing that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. When we live in the truth, we are set free from confusion and doubt. We can see things clearly and follow the path that leads to God.

The Monday after Epiphany reminds us to choose truth in all things. When we listen to Jesus and follow His teachings, we can trust that we are on the right path. Truth leads us closer to God, while falsehoods and lies pull us away. By staying close to Jesus, we can live in the truth every day.

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As we reflect on the Monday after Epiphany, we are reminded to seek the truth in all things, turn away from sin, and trust in the hope Jesus brings. His message of repentance and healing is an invitation to live in His light every day, growing closer to God and sharing His love with others.

Prayer

Lord, help us listen to Your voice and follow the truth in all things. Guide us to live in the light of Your teachings and turn away from what is false. May we always seek You, trust in Your message, and share Your love with those around us. Amen.

Reflection Questions

• How can I better test the spirits in my daily life to know what is truly from God?
• In what ways do I need to repent and turn back to God’s light?
• How can I bring hope to someone who is struggling or living in darkness?
• What steps can I take to live more fully in God’s truth each day?

USCCB Reflection: Called to Be in the World and of the Kingdom

In a USCCB video reflection for the Monday after Epiphany, Msgr. James Vlaun reflects on Jesus borrowing John the Baptist’s message: “Repent, the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” He reminds us that we are called to live in the world while also being part of God’s kingdom. Jesus’ healing work is ongoing, and we must seek healing and pray for others. The reading from 1 John and the Gospel highlight the challenge of living out our faith in the world while staying connected to the kingdom and God’s light.

What date is the Monday after Epiphany?

The next Monday after Epiphany is Monday January 6, 2025.

What are the Mass readings for the Monday after Epiphany?

The Mass readings for Monday January 6, 2025 are:
First Reading  – 1 John 3:22–4:6: The Spirit of Truth and Deceit
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 2: The Nations as an Inheritance
Gospel – Matthew 4:12-17, 23-25: Jesus Begins His Ministry in Galilee

Why do we need to test the spirits?

In the first reading for the Monday after Epiphany, we are told to be careful about what we believe. Some ideas may seem good, but they might lead us away from God. Remember to stay true to the teachings of Christ and not be misled.

What does it mean to repent?

Repenting means changing our ways and turning back to God. Jesus calls us to leave behind our sins and live better lives, focusing on what God wants for us.

How can we follow God’s commands?

Following God’s commands means doing what He asks of us, like loving others and living in truth. Keeping God’s teachings helps us stay close to Him and brings peace to our lives.

Why did Jesus start His ministry in Galilee?

Jesus began His work in Galilee because it was a place where many people needed to hear God’s message. Jesus went to those in darkness to bring them hope and a new way of living.

What is the kingdom of heaven?

The kingdom of heaven is where God’s will is done. We can start living in God’s kingdom now by following Jesus and living according to His message of love and truth.

How can we share the Good News with others?

We can share the Good News by telling others about Jesus and living in a way that reflects His love and kindness. Spread Christ’s message, just as He did when He traveled to different places.

Why did Jesus heal so many people?

Jesus healed people because He cared about their suffering and wanted to show God’s love. His actions remind us that we should care for others, especially those who are hurting.

What can we learn from the Monday after Epiphany?

The readings teach us to listen to Jesus, follow His example, and share His message. It reminds us to be faithful and to help others see the light of Christ in their lives.