Saturday after Epiphany
Saturday January 10, 2026
Daily Mass Readings for the 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
Themes for the Readings for the Saturday after Epiphany
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.
Reflection for the Saturday after Epiphany
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.
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?
Homilies and Commentaries for the Saturday after Epiphany
Choosing Humility Over Conflict
On the Saturday after Epiphany, Fr. David Baker reflects on how John the Baptist handled conflict with humility. When people tried to stir up rivalry between him and Jesus, John refused to engage. He wasn’t seeking glory but justice, standing up to Herod for the right reasons. When confronted about Jesus’ growing following, John responded with wisdom, saying, “He must increase, I must decrease.” His humility diffused the tension instead of fueling it.
Fr. Baker challenges believers to follow John’s example when faced with conflict. People often try to stir up trouble, making it seem like the only choices are to fight back or give in. But Jesus calls for a third way—a response grounded in humility and wisdom. Like St. John Vianney, who calmly accepted criticism and ended a dispute, choosing humility can defuse hostility and lead to peace. True strength lies in letting go of ego and trusting God’s plan.
Humility is Foundational
On the Saturday after Epiphany, Fr. Don Goergen reflects on John the Baptist’s humility. When John’s disciples question him about Jesus’ growing influence, he responds, “He must increase; I must decrease.” John understands his role—to point others to Christ, not to seek attention for himself. His words teach a core truth of Christian life: it is not about personal recognition but about making room for Jesus. True humility is not self-deprecation but knowing who we are before God and living in gratitude.
John’s example challenges a world that often values power and dominance. In politics, economics, and even within the Church, there is a temptation to seek status. Yet Jesus calls his followers to serve rather than to be served. The Gospel message is clear—true greatness is found in humility. Like John, believers are called to let Christ take center stage in their lives, embodying the values of love, service, and selflessness.
John’s Mission Points to Jesus
On the Saturday after Epiphany, Bishop Robert Barron explains how John the Baptist saw his role in God’s plan. Baptizing in the Jordan River, John was recalling Israel’s history—the Exodus, purification, and liberation. His call to baptism was not just about repentance but about preparing for something greater. John was gathering the people and reminding them that their story was unfinished. He was pointing toward the one who would bring true freedom and fulfillment—Jesus, the Messiah.
John understood that his mission was temporary. His words, “He must increase; I must decrease,” show his humility and recognition that Jesus was the fulfillment of God’s promises. John prepared the way, but Jesus is the way. The old era was ending, and the reign of Christ was beginning. Like John, believers are called to point others to Jesus, making him the center of their lives and allowing his presence to grow in them.
A Strong Sense of Self
On the Saturday after Epiphany, Matthew Kelly reflects on John the Baptist’s humility and self-awareness. When people tell John that Jesus is gaining more followers, he is not upset. Instead, he rejoices because he knows his mission is to prepare the way for Christ. His response, “He must increase, and I must decrease,” is a powerful reminder for all believers. True joy comes from knowing our role in God’s plan and embracing it fully.
This call to decrease so that Jesus can increase is central to Christian life. It means letting go of pride, control, and self-centeredness, allowing Christ to guide our words, thoughts, and actions. The goal is not personal recognition but pointing others to Jesus. Like John, every believer is invited to step back and let Christ shine. When we do, our joy becomes full, and our lives reflect the love and purpose God desires for us.
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.
Questions and Answers for the Saturday after Epiphany
What date is the Saturday after Epiphany?
The next date is Saturday January 10, 2026.
What are the Mass readings for the Saturday after Epiphany?
The Mass readings for Saturday January 10, 2026 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.
Trust and Humility
On the Saturday after Epiphany, we reflect on themes of humility and trust. In the first reading from 1 John, we are reminded that God hears us when we ask according to His will. We are also encouraged to recognize the difference between sins that are deadly and those that are not, with a call to stay close to God, who gives us understanding and guidance in difficult choices.
In the Gospel, John the Baptist speaks to his followers about his role in preparing the way for Jesus. He expresses his joy in seeing Jesus take center stage, emphasizing that his purpose is fulfilled as Jesus’ mission grows. John’s humble attitude, saying, “He must increase; I must decrease,” encourages us to place Jesus at the forefront of our lives. It calls us to let go of pride, focusing on God’s plan above our own.
This day encourages believers to approach God with faith and trust, knowing that He listens and answers us when we seek His will. It is also a reminder to live with humility, finding joy in lifting others up, especially Jesus, in all that we do.
Your Turn
On the Saturday after Epiphany, let’s reflect on trusting God’s plan and on the example of John the Baptist. John’s words, “He must increase; I must decrease,” show humility and faith.
Think about moments in your life when you have needed to trust or take a step back so others, or God’s plan, could grow. How can we practice this attitude in our daily lives? Share your thoughts in the comments on how trust and humility play a role in your relationship with God.
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