Saturday after Epiphany

• First Reading – 1 John 5:14-21: We can trust that God hears us when we ask according to His will. Sin exists, but some sin is not deadly. Christ gives us understanding to remain true to God.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 149: The faithful are called to praise the Lord with joy, singing and dancing. God loves and blesses his people, especially the humble, and gives them victory and honor.
• Gospel – John 3:22-30: John explains that Jesus must increase while he himself must fade. He reminds his disciples that he is not the Christ but was sent to prepare the way. His joy is complete as Jesus rises.

He must increase; I must decrease.

John 3:22-30

On the Saturday after Epiphany, the readings from 1 John and the Gospel of John remind us of faith, prayer, humility, and the role of Jesus. These themes encourage us to trust in God and live with humility as we follow Christ.

• Confidence in prayer: The first reading assures us that when we ask for anything according to God’s will, He hears us. This confidence in prayer helps us trust that God knows what is best for us and will answer in His time.
• Turning away from sin: 1 John encourages us to avoid sin and stay close to God. Choosing to follow God means turning away from anything that leads us away from Him.
• Jesus must increase: In the Gospel, John the Baptist humbly states that Jesus must become greater while he becomes less. This teaches us the importance of humility, recognizing that Jesus is the center of our faith.
• The joy of serving: John the Baptist finds joy in preparing the way for Jesus. His example reminds us that serving others and leading them to Christ brings joy and fulfillment.
• God’s protection: The first reading speaks of God’s protection over those who stay close to Him. This assurance gives us peace, knowing that God guards and guides us when we remain faithful.
• Humility in leadership: John the Baptist shows humility in his role, pointing people to Jesus instead of seeking glory for himself. This teaches us to serve others with humility, always directing others to Christ.

The Saturday after Epiphany reminds us of the importance of prayer, humility, and serving others. As we reflect on these readings, we are encouraged to trust in God’s will, find joy in service, and live with humility as we follow Jesus.

The Saturday after Epiphany offers us the opportunity to reflect on God’s protection, humility in service, and the joy of following God’s will. Through the readings, we are reminded that God watches over us, and we are called to serve others with humility, always pointing them toward Jesus. These reflections encourage us to trust in God’s plan and find joy in living out His will.

God’s Protection and Guidance

The first reading for the Saturday after Epiphany reassures us that God protects and guides those who stay close to Him. This gives us peace, knowing that we are never alone in our journey of faith. God is always watching over us, ready to help us through difficult times.

Staying close to God means trusting Him and living according to His will. When we follow His teachings, we invite His guidance into our lives. This doesn’t mean we won’t face challenges, but it assures us that God will be there to guard us and show us the way.

On the Saturday after Epiphany, we are reminded to place our trust in God’s protection. When we remain faithful, God’s presence becomes our source of strength and peace, helping us move forward with confidence in whatever situation we face.

Humility in Service

John the Baptist, in the Gospel for the Saturday after Epiphany, shows true humility in his mission. He understands that his role is not to seek glory for himself, but to point others to Jesus. His example teaches us how important it is to serve without seeking recognition.

Humility in service means we are willing to take a step back and let others come to know Christ through our actions. We don’t need to be in the spotlight; instead, our goal should be to lead people closer to Jesus. By doing so, we fulfill our purpose as followers of Christ.

The Saturday after Epiphany invites us to reflect on how we can serve with humility, just as John the Baptist did. When we focus on serving others for the sake of Christ, we can help spread His love and message to those around us.

Joy in Fulfilling God’s Will

Both the first reading and the Gospel for the Saturday after Epiphany show the joy that comes from fulfilling God’s will. In the Gospel, John the Baptist finds joy in preparing the way for Jesus, knowing that his role is part of God’s greater plan. Similarly, when we stay close to God and follow His will, we experience a deep sense of peace and happiness.

God’s will for our lives may not always be easy, but it brings true joy when we embrace it. This joy comes from knowing that we are doing what we were created to do, living in a way that honors God and helps others.

On the Saturday after Epiphany, we are reminded to seek joy in following God’s will. Like John the Baptist, we can find fulfillment by staying faithful to our calling and trusting that God’s plan is always for our good.

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As we reflect on the Saturday after Epiphany, we are reminded of the importance of trusting in God’s guidance, serving with humility, and finding joy in fulfilling His plan. By staying close to God and following His example, we can live with peace and purpose. Let us continue to seek God’s will and share His love with others.

Prayer

Lord, thank You for Your protection and guidance. Help us to serve others with humility, always pointing them to You. May we find joy in following Your will and trust in Your care for us. Amen.

Reflection Questions

• How can I grow in trusting God’s protection and guidance in my life?
• In what ways can I serve others with humility, like John the Baptist?
• How do I experience joy when following God’s will?
• How can I better point others to Jesus through my words and actions?

USCCB Reflection: Always Call on God’s Love

In a USCCB video reflection for the Saturday after Epiphany, Deacon Angel Diaz shares a childhood story of getting lost in a crowd, reminding us that just as he called out for his parents, we can always call on God.

Deacon Diaz emphasizes that God’s love and mercy are always searching for us, and we can feel secure in knowing He cares for us. We are encouraged to call on God’s name and trust in His love, which is constant and unfailing. Rejoicing in His love brings peace and security in our lives.

What date is the Saturday after Epiphany?

The next date is Saturday January 11, 2025.

What are the Mass readings for the Saturday after Epiphany?

The Mass readings for Saturday January 11, 2025 are:
First Reading  – 1 John 5:14-21: Confidence in God and Discernment of Sin
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 149: God Rejoices in His People
Gospel – John 3:22-30: John’s Joy and Humility

Why does the first reading for the Saturday after Epiphany say we can have confidence in prayer?

We can trust God to hear our prayers when we ask according to His will. This means we should pray with faith, knowing that God listens and will answer in the way that is best for us.

What does it mean to turn away from sin?

Stay close to God and avoid anything that leads into sin. Turning away from sin means choosing to follow God’s path and living according to His teachings.

How does God protect us, as mentioned in the first reading?

God watches over those who stay close to Him. When we remain faithful, we can trust that God is guiding us and keeping us safe from harm.

Why does John the Baptist say that Jesus must increase while he decreases in the Gospel for the Saturday after Epiphany?

John the Baptist shows humility by saying that Jesus is greater. This teaches us to put Jesus first in our lives and recognize that our role is to point others toward Him, not ourselves.

What can we learn from John the Baptist’s joy in serving?

John found happiness in preparing the way for Jesus, showing us that helping others come closer to Christ is a fulfilling way to live.

How can I apply the humility of John the Baptist to my life?

John the Baptist’s humility teaches us to serve without seeking praise or attention. We can apply this by focusing on helping others and directing them toward Jesus, rather than seeking recognition for ourselves.