Friday after Epiphany

• First Reading – 1 John 5:5-13: Believing in Jesus, the Son of God, is the key to victory over the world. God’s testimony about His Son brings eternal life to those who believe.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 147: Jerusalem praises God for His protection, blessings, and peace. God provides for His people, sends His word swiftly, and reveals His laws to Israel, unlike any other nation.
• Gospel – Luke 5:12-16: A man with leprosy asked Jesus for healing. Jesus touched him, healed him, and instructed him to follow the law. Despite Jesus’ request for silence, the news of his power spread, drawing crowds.

Lord, if you wish, you can make me clean.

Luke 5:12

The Friday after Epiphany highlights key themes of faith, healing, and eternal life. The readings from 1 John and the Gospel of Luke remind us of the power of believing in Jesus and the healing that comes through His love.

• Faith in Jesus conquers: The first reading tells us that faith in Jesus allows us to overcome the world. This faith gives us strength to face challenges, knowing that Jesus is our Savior.
• Jesus brings healing: In the Gospel, Jesus heals a man with leprosy, showing His deep care for those who suffer. Jesus’ healing power is available to all who turn to Him in faith.
• The gift of eternal life: 1 John speaks of the promise of eternal life through belief in Jesus. This reminds us that through Jesus, we have the hope of life with God that never ends.
• Jesus’ compassion for the outcast: By healing the leper, Jesus shows compassion for those who are rejected by society. The Friday after Epiphany calls us to follow His example and reach out to those who are marginalized.
• The importance of prayer: After performing miracles, Jesus withdraws to a quiet place to pray. This teaches us that prayer is essential in staying close to God and maintaining strength for our mission.
• God’s testimony through Jesus: In the first reading, we learn that God testifies to the truth of Jesus. Believing in this testimony brings us closer to understanding the fullness of who Jesus is.

The Friday after Epiphany reminds us to have faith in Jesus, who heals and brings eternal life. As we reflect on these readings, we are called to trust in God’s promises, pray, and reach out with compassion to those in need.

The Friday after Epiphany gives us an opportunity to reflect on faith, compassion, and the importance of prayer. The readings remind us that our faith in Jesus helps us overcome challenges, and His example of healing shows us how to care for those who are marginalized. Through prayer, we stay connected to God, drawing strength and guidance for our daily lives.

Faith in Jesus Overcomes the World

The first reading for the Friday after Epiphany reminds us that our faith in Jesus allows us to overcome the world. This means that by trusting in Jesus as our Savior, we can face life’s difficulties with courage and hope. The world presents many challenges, but faith gives us the strength to endure.

When we face trials, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed or discouraged. However, the Friday after Epiphany calls us to remember that Jesus is with us. Our faith in Him is not just about believing in His existence, but trusting that He walks with us through our struggles.

On this day, we are encouraged to place our faith in Jesus, knowing that He has already overcome the world. No matter what comes our way, we can trust in His guidance and strength. Faith in Jesus is our source of hope and victory.

Jesus’ Compassion for the Outcast

In the Gospel for the Friday after Epiphany, Jesus heals a man with leprosy, showing great compassion for someone rejected by society. Lepers were often isolated and treated as outcasts, but Jesus approached the man with care and healed him. This act of love reminds us that Jesus reaches out to those who are marginalized.

Jesus’ example challenges us to reflect on how we treat others, especially those who may be overlooked or pushed aside. The Friday after Epiphany calls us to follow His example of love and mercy toward everyone, including those who are often ignored.

Through His actions, Jesus shows that no one is beyond His care. We are called to show that same compassion to those in our lives who may feel rejected or unloved. Just as Jesus healed the leper, we can bring healing and love to others through our words and actions.

The Power of Prayer

Both the first reading and the Gospel for the Friday after Epiphany emphasize the importance of staying connected to God through prayer. After healing the leper, Jesus withdraws to pray in a quiet place. His example shows us that even in the midst of a busy life, we need to make time for prayer.

Prayer is how we remain close to God, listening for His guidance and finding strength for our daily tasks. The Friday after Epiphany reminds us that, like Jesus, we should make time to step away from distractions and spend time in prayer.

Through prayer, we find the peace and direction we need to face challenges, love others, and live out our faith. Jesus shows us that prayer is not just for moments of quiet but is essential in the midst of our work and service to others.

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As we reflect on the Friday after Epiphany, we are called to trust in Jesus, show compassion to others, and make prayer a regular part of our lives. These simple but important practices help us live out our faith and follow the example Jesus gives us. Let us continue to grow in love, faith, and connection with God.

Prayer

Lord, help us to trust in You more deeply each day. Give us the strength to face our challenges with faith and the compassion to love those around us. Guide us through prayer so we may live according to Your will. Amen.

Reflection Questions

• How can I strengthen my faith in Jesus when facing challenges?
• Who in my life needs more compassion and care, and how can I show it?
• How can I make more time for prayer in my daily routine?
• In what ways can I reach out to those who feel rejected or overlooked?

USCCB Reflection: The Importance of Quiet Prayer

In a USCCB video reflection for the Friday after Epiphany, Fr. John Crossin encourages us to follow Jesus’ example of going to quiet places to pray. He explains that in prayer, we should focus more on listening than speaking. By finding a peaceful space to reflect, we can hear God’s voice through Scripture, the example of others, and the inspirations of the Holy Spirit. The Friday after Epiphany reminds us to seek moments of silence, where we can connect with God and be open to His guidance.

What date is the Friday after Epiphany?

The next day is Friday January 10, 2025.

What are the Mass readings for the Friday after Epiphany?

The Mass readings for Friday January 10, 2025 are:
First Reading  – 1 John 5:5-13: Faith in the Son of God Brings Life
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 147: Praise the Lord, Jerusalem
Gospel – Luke 5:12-16: The Healing of the Leper

Why does the first reading for the Friday after Epiphany talk about faith conquering the world?

Faith in Jesus helps us face the difficulties of life. By trusting in Jesus, we are given the strength to overcome challenges with hope and peace.

What does it mean to have eternal life?

Through faith in Jesus, we are given the promise of eternal life with God. This means that even after death, we will live forever with God in heaven.

Why does Jesus heal the man with leprosy in the Gospel for the Friday after Epiphany,?

Jesus heals the man to show His care and compassion for those who are suffering. His healing is a sign that God’s love reaches everyone, even those who are outcasts.

What can we learn from Jesus’ example of prayer?

Even though Jesus was busy healing and teaching, He made time for prayer. This shows us the importance of staying connected to God through prayer, especially when we are serving others.

Why is God’s testimony about Jesus important?

God testifies to the truth of who Jesus is. Believing in this testimony helps us deepen our faith and trust in Jesus as our Savior.

How can I apply the healing and compassion of Jesus to my life?

Follow Jesus’ example of helping and loving those who are suffering or rejected. We can apply this by being kind, showing compassion, and reaching out to those in need around us.