Thursday after Epiphany

• First Reading – 1 John 4:19–5:4: If we love God, we must love one another. Following God’s commands is how we show our love, and our faith is what helps us overcome the world.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 72: The king will lead with justice and protect the afflicted. He will be blessed forever, and all nations will be blessed through him. Every day, people will pray for and honor him.
• Gospel – Luke 4:14-22: Jesus reads from Isaiah in the synagogue, declaring that the prophecy of liberation and healing is fulfilled through him. The people are amazed by his words and speak highly of him.

The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring glad tidings to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, and to proclaim a year acceptable to the Lord.

Luke 4:18-19

On the Thursday after Epiphany, the readings from 1 John and the Gospel of Luke invite us to reflect on God’s love, faith, and the mission of Jesus. These themes encourage us to live in love and follow the example of Jesus as we seek to serve others.

• God’s love comes first: The first reading reminds us that we love because God loved us first. His love calls us to share that love with others, especially through acts of kindness and forgiveness.
• Faith overcomes the world: 1 John tells us that those who have faith in God can overcome the struggles and challenges of the world. Trusting in God’s love gives us the strength to face any difficulty.
• Jesus’ mission of service: In the Gospel, Jesus begins His public ministry by reading from Isaiah and announcing His mission to serve the poor, the blind, and the oppressed. This reminds us that following Jesus means helping those in need.
• God’s Spirit guides us: Jesus, filled with the Spirit, returns to Galilee and teaches in the synagogue. The Thursday after Epiphany shows us that God’s Spirit leads us in our actions and words when we follow His will.
• The power of Scripture: When Jesus reads from Isaiah, He shows the power and importance of Scripture in guiding our lives. The Thursday after Epiphany encourages us to spend time with Scripture and let it shape our hearts and actions.
• Responding to God’s call: Jesus declares that the prophecy is fulfilled through Him, showing His readiness to respond to God’s plan. We, too, are called to listen and respond to God’s invitation in our own lives.

The Thursday after Epiphany reminds us of God’s deep love for us and calls us to live in faith, guided by the Spirit. As we reflect on these readings, we are encouraged to follow Jesus’ example of service and love in all we do.

The Thursday after Epiphany invites us to reflect on God’s love, Jesus’ mission, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. The readings encourage us to respond to God’s love by sharing it with others and to follow Jesus in serving those in need. These reflections remind us that God’s Spirit is always with us, leading us to live out our faith.

God’s Love Comes First

The first reading for the Thursday after Epiphany reminds us that God loved us first. His love is the foundation for everything we do, and because of His love, we are called to love others. This love is not just a feeling but is shown through our actions—especially through kindness and forgiveness.

When we realize how much God loves us, it changes how we relate to others. We become more patient, understanding, and willing to help those around us. This love gives us the strength to forgive, even when it’s difficult, because we know that God has forgiven us.

On the Thursday after Epiphany, we are invited to reflect on how we can share God’s love with the people in our lives. How can we be more loving and forgiving? By living out this love, we are answering God’s call to make the world a better place, one act of kindness at a time.

Following Jesus Means Serving Others

In the Gospel for the Thursday after Epiphany, Jesus begins His ministry by announcing that He has come to serve the poor, the blind, and the oppressed. His mission was clear: to help those who are struggling and to bring hope to those who feel lost. Jesus shows us that following Him means caring for others, especially those in need.

This service is at the heart of our faith. Jesus didn’t come to serve only those who were easy to help—He reached out to those who were often ignored or rejected. He calls us to do the same in our own lives, by being attentive to those who are suffering and offering them love and support.

The Thursday after Epiphany encourages us to look for ways we can serve others. Whether it’s helping a neighbor, visiting someone who is lonely, or offering support to those going through tough times, we are called to follow Jesus’ example of love and service.

God’s Spirit Leads Us

Both the first reading and the Gospel for the Thursday after Epiphany show us that God’s Spirit guides us in living out our faith. In the Gospel, Jesus begins His mission filled with the Spirit, showing us that we too need God’s guidance to do His will. The Spirit leads us to understand how to live in love and service, as Jesus did.

Sometimes we may feel unsure of what to do or how to respond to the needs around us. In these moments, we can ask God’s Spirit to guide us, just as He guided Jesus. When we listen to the Spirit, we find clarity and strength to do what God is asking of us.

On the Thursday after Epiphany, we are reminded that we don’t have to figure out everything on our own. God’s Spirit is with us, helping us make decisions and leading us to love and serve others in the way God desires. All we need to do is be open to His guidance and trust in His plan.

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As we reflect on the Thursday after Epiphany, we are reminded of the importance of love, service, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Through these themes, we can better understand how to live as followers of Jesus. Let us open our hearts to God’s love and allow the Spirit to guide us each day.

Prayer

Lord, thank You for Your love and for calling us to share it with others. Help us follow Jesus’ example of service and care for those in need. May Your Spirit guide our actions and lead us to love more fully. Amen.

Reflection Questions

• How can I better show love and forgiveness to others in my daily life?
• In what ways can I serve those in need, following Jesus’ example?
• How can I be more open to the guidance of the Holy Spirit in my decisions?
• What does God’s love mean to me, and how can I share it with those around me?

USCCB Reflection: Letting Our Light Shine

In a USCCB video reflection for the Thursday after Epiphany, Deacon Clarence McDavid shares his experience singing “This Little Light of Mine” with children at a Catholic school. He reflects on how God’s love shines through all people, regardless of age or situation.

Deacon McDavid emphasizes the message from 1 John, that we cannot claim to love God without loving our neighbor. He reminds us that, like Jesus, we are called to serve the poor, free the oppressed, and love those who are difficult to love. By letting our light shine, we fulfill our mission as followers of Christ.

What date is the Thursday after Epiphany?

The next date is Thursday January 9, 2025.

What are the Mass readings for the Thursday after Epiphany?

The Mass readings for Thursday January 9, 2025 are:
First Reading  – 1 John 4:19–5:4: Love and Faith Conquer the World
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 72: A Prayer for the Just King
Gospel – Luke 4:14-22: Jesus Proclaims the Fulfillment of Isaiah’s Prophecy

Why does the first reading for the Thursday after Epiphany focus on God loving us first?

Our ability to love others comes from God’s love for us. His love is a gift, and we are called to share it with others by being kind and forgiving.

What does it mean that faith overcomes the world?

Our faith in God helps us face the challenges of the world. When we trust in God, we can find strength and peace, even in difficult situations.

Why is Jesus reading from Isaiah important?

Jesus reads from the prophet Isaiah to announce His mission. This shows us that Jesus came to fulfill the promises made in Scripture, and it encourages us to listen to His message.

How does the Spirit guide us?

Jesus was led by the Spirit to begin His ministry. In the same way, God’s Spirit guides us to live according to His will and to help others in our daily lives.

How can we apply Jesus’ mission of service to our lives?

Jesus came to serve the poor, the sick, and those in need. We are called to follow His example by helping others, especially those who are struggling or in need of support.

What does it mean to respond to God’s call?

Like Jesus, we are invited to say yes to God’s plan. This means being open to how God is calling us to love, serve, and live out our faith in everyday life.