Friday after Epiphany
Friday January 9, 2026
Daily Mass Readings for the 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
Themes for the Readings for the Friday after Epiphany
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.
Reflection for the Friday after Epiphany
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.
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?
Homilies and Commentaries for the Friday after Epiphany
God’s Good Will
On the Friday after Epiphany, Dr. Ann Garrido reflects on the Gospel story of Jesus healing a man with leprosy. The man does not doubt Jesus’ power to heal but wonders if He wills it. Jesus answers clearly, “I do will it.” This moment reveals an important truth—God’s will is not about suffering or hardship but about healing, wholeness, and abundant life. Many people struggle with the idea of God’s will, especially in times of illness or loss, sometimes believing suffering is something God desires. But Jesus shows that God’s will is always for the kingdom, a place of restoration and peace.
Jesus’ miracles are glimpses of what God ultimately wants for all people—fullness of life. Though suffering exists in the world, God does not wish it upon anyone. Instead, God walks with us through it, always leading us toward greater healing and joy. Trusting in God’s will means believing in His deep desire for our good.
Faith and the Healing Touch of Jesus
On the Friday after Epiphany, Dr. Jem Sullivan reflects on Jesus healing a leper, showing both physical and spiritual restoration. The leper approaches Jesus with deep faith, believing in His power to heal. In biblical times, leprosy meant not just illness but isolation from family and community. Jesus does not turn away but responds with love, saying, “I do will it. Be made clean.” Instantly, the man is healed, a sign of God’s desire to restore all who seek Him.
This Gospel invites believers to reflect on their own faith. Like the leper, they are called to trust that Jesus is present and willing to heal. Faith is not just belief; it is an act of surrender to God’s mercy. By turning to Jesus with confidence, anyone can experience His healing love, restoring them not only physically but also spiritually, bringing them back into communion with God and others.
Prayer Before Action
On the Friday after Epiphany, Matthew Kelly reflects on Jesus healing a man with leprosy and the deeper meaning behind this encounter. The man approaches Jesus with faith, saying, “If you will it, you can make me clean.” This moment invites reflection on the areas in life where healing is needed. Jesus not only heals but also respects tradition by instructing the man to show himself to the priest, reminding us of the value of sacred practices.
Another key lesson is how Jesus balances action with prayer. Despite the crowds seeking Him, He withdraws to pray. His actions always flow from prayer, ensuring they remain rooted in His mission. This teaches the importance of not letting good works become mere activism, but instead keeping them connected to God. True spiritual action must come from a place of prayer, allowing God’s grace to guide each step.
The Healing Touch of Jesus
On the Friday after Epiphany, Bishop Robert Barron reflects on Jesus healing a leper, a man cast out from society and forced to live in isolation. In biblical times, leprosy meant more than physical suffering—it brought rejection and separation from the community. This healing shows Jesus’ deep compassion, but it also invites reflection on a more personal level. What in life feels like a spiritual affliction? What parts of the heart need to be brought back to intimacy with Christ?
The Gospel reveals that healing comes through both Jesus’ power and the willingness of the one seeking to be cured. The leper approaches Jesus, prostrates himself, and asks to be made clean. This reminds all believers that Jesus is always ready to heal, but they must first come to Him with trust. His love restores not just the body but the soul, drawing people back into communion with God.
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.
Questions and Answers for the Friday after Epiphany
What date is the Friday after Epiphany?
The next day is Friday January 9, 2026.
What are the Mass readings for the Friday after Epiphany?
The Mass readings for Friday January 9, 2026 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.
Faith and Healing
The readings for the Friday after Epiphany invite us to reflect on faith and the power of belief. In the first reading from 1 John, we learn that believing in Jesus as the Son of God is the key to overcoming the world. God’s testimony about Jesus assures believers of eternal life. Faith in Jesus offers us hope beyond what the world can give, promising a lasting life with God.
In the Gospel reading, Jesus is approached by a man suffering from leprosy who asks for healing. Jesus reaches out to touch the man and heals him, showing both compassion and power. Jesus instructs the healed man to remain silent and follow the law, yet the news spreads quickly. Despite his desire for quiet, Jesus’ reputation grows, and many are drawn to him, seeking help and healing. His actions show a deep willingness to help anyone who asks.
Together, these readings reveal that true faith in Jesus can bring both healing and eternal hope. The leper’s faith in Jesus’ power is an example of trust, while Jesus’ willingness to heal him shows his boundless compassion. As we reflect on these passages, we are reminded of the importance of believing in Jesus’ message and opening our hearts to his healing presence.
Your Turn
On this Friday after Epiphany, take time to think about the power of faith and how it shapes your life. Reflect on the healing power Jesus showed to the man with leprosy. Consider how your own faith might help you face challenges or bring comfort to others.
If these readings inspire you, please share your thoughts or experiences in the comments. Let us encourage each other to trust in Jesus and his promise of eternal life.
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