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Humility Prepares the Way
January 2, when before Epiphany
“I baptize with water; but there is one among you whom you do not recognize, the one who is coming after me, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to untie.” This happened in Bethany across the Jordan, where John was baptizing. John 1:26–28
Though John the Baptist prepared the people of Israel for the beginning of Jesus’ ministry, he also prepares us to receive the fruit of that ministry and mission. One way he does this is by revealing the identity of the Messiah with great clarity.
Of John, Jesus said, “Among those born of women there has been none greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he” (Matthew 11:11). This is high praise! One of the most important qualities that made John so great was his humility. It was his humility that enabled him to turn the attention of his followers away from himself and toward the Messiah.
During this transitional period between the octave of Christmas and Ordinary Time, we are invited to anticipate all that this newborn King came to do in our lives. He came to set us free from all sin so that we can enter into union with Him. One of the best ways to embrace our Lord’s mission is to understand who He is—His identity and mission.
With John, we are invited to acknowledge the unfathomable glory of the Messiah. With John, we must profess that we are not worthy even to untie His sandal strap. In the cultural context, that function was delegated to the lowest servant in a household, who untied the master’s sandals upon his return home and washed his feet. If we understand who Jesus is in relation to us, we will believe and profess that we are not worthy even to be His lowliest servant. This is the truth: in regard to worthiness, we have none in the presence of the Messiah.
Once we understand and believe this truth, we will be better prepared to embrace the even more glorious truth that our King, Master, and Messiah has chosen to stoop down to wash our feet and serve us by laying down His life for our eternal salvation. He takes all our sins upon Himself and suffers their consequences, death on a cross.
Without imitating and participating in John’s humility, we cannot experience the depth of gratitude that we must have for Jesus’ life and mission. Acknowledging our complete unworthiness with John is not demeaning, nor does it make us any more unworthy. Instead, this act of true humility prepares us for the gift that began with the Incarnation and culminated in the Ascension into Heaven.
Reflect today on the humble truth of your complete unworthiness before the life and mission of the Messiah. Ponder John the Baptist as your model. Look at Jesus as John looked at Him, and believe what John believed. As you do, allow that realization to fill you with gratitude as you ponder God’s choice to meet you in that lowly state so as to serve you with the gift of His very life.
My glorious Lord, I am not worthy even to be Your lowest servant. Help me to understand and believe this humble truth. As I do, I offer You my utmost gratitude for choosing to meet me in that humility and to draw me to Yourself as my Messiah and King. I love You, my Lord; help me to love You more. Jesus, I trust in You.
Behold Him with Wonder and Awe
January 3, when before Epiphany
John the Baptist saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world. He is the one of whom I said, ‘A man is coming after me who ranks ahead of me because he existed before me.’ I did not know him, but the reason why I came baptizing with water was that he might be made known to Israel.” John 1:29–31
Though John grew up in the hill country of Judea near Jerusalem and Jesus grew up in Nazareth, it is very likely that their families visited each other regularly, allowing John and Jesus to spend time together as cousins. Despite this, when John first saw His cousin coming to him in the wilderness, he said, “I did not know him.” John did not fully understand who Jesus was—that He was the Messiah, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world—until John began his public ministry and witnessed the Holy Spirit descending upon his Lord, his cousin.
What an awe-inspiring and joyous moment that must have been for John. He had discerned that his mission was to prepare the way for the Messiah, to be the Messiah’s immediate precursor, preparing the way for Him. He embraced that mission and fulfilled it by preaching and offering a baptism of repentance to those who believed. He lived in the wilderness, fasting, praying, and anticipating the day the Messiah would arrive. Imagine his surprise and delight at that moment when he saw the Holy Spirit descend upon his cousin.
Though the Holy Spirit descended upon Jesus in a singularly unique way, since He is the Second Person of the Holy Trinity, John’s experience offers us an invitation to remain vigilant as we await Jesus’ ongoing coming among us. Though our Lord came and walked the Earth 2,000 years ago, He continues to do so today through His Body, the Church. Like John, we must be on the lookout, and when we see Him, we must cry out in faith, “Behold the Lamb of God!”
The most important way our Lord comes to us is within the Mass. The priest repeats John the Baptist’s familiar words as he holds up our Lord, hidden within the Sacred Host, for all to see. Additionally, our Lord comes to us as the Holy Spirit descends and makes Him known. This happens in sermons, reflections, Church teachings, within the charity of others’ actions, through personal prayer, and in numerous other ways. We must see the Lamb of God every time He comes to us, ideally with the same wonder and awe that filled John’s mind and heart during those first encounters.
Reflect today on those sacred words with which we are very familiar: “Behold the Lamb of God…” As you do, ponder how often you personally “behold” Him. Are you filled with wonder and awe at Mass? Within your daily prayer? In the life of the Church and in the lives of faithful Christians you encounter? As we continue our Christmas season, which focuses on the Incarnation, make the words of the Baptist your own as you discover the ongoing presence of our Lord made possible through the Incarnation.
My awe-inspiring Lord, because of Your Incarnation, You continue to be present in this world, coming to us and drawing us to Yourself. When Your cousin, John the Baptist, first saw the Holy Spirit descend upon You in the desert, he cried out, “Behold, the Lamb of God!” Please give me the eyes of faith I need to echo that cry as I encounter Your divine presence in my life. Jesus, I trust in You.
Pointing Others to the Lamb of God
January 4, when before Epiphany
John was standing with two of his disciples, and as he watched Jesus walk by, he said, “Behold, the Lamb of God.” The two disciples heard what he said and followed Jesus. John 1:35–37
Today, we are blessed again with the powerful words of John the Baptist: “Behold, the Lamb of God.” John saw beyond the mere flesh and bones of our Lord and discerned His divinity through the power of the Holy Spirit. We are not told that Jesus even spoke to him; John simply knew that Jesus was the Sacrificial Lamb who would give His life for the salvation of all who would believe in Him.
John’s certitude about Who Jesus was reveals his profound faith. He was blessed and consoled by the mere presence of Jesus, coming toward him in the wilderness. Such faith cannot be kept to oneself. When we are given the gift of faith, we must share it with others; otherwise, it is not true faith but merely an empty and personal belief.
John shared his faith in the Messiah by expressing it boldly and confidently in the presence of his own disciples. To his delight, those two disciples immediately left John and followed Jesus. John was not saddened by the new path his disciples took; he was overjoyed, for that was his mission—to point others to Christ.
When we “behold” our Lord, present in our lives within the Church, the Sacraments, and elsewhere, we must do more than just behold Him in a personal way. We must allow our beholding to inspire others, enabling them to receive the faith we have through our witness and example. Faith must be shared, expressed, and given away. Only then is it true faith, and only then does our faith grow.
Reflect today on the ways that you behold the Lamb of God. How do you encounter Him every day in your life? In what ways has He manifested His divine presence to you? As you ponder these questions, consider also whether you freely share your beholding with others. Do you live your faith openly, joyfully, and with conviction, or do you hesitate and keep your beliefs to yourself? Seek to imitate John the Baptist by first beholding our Lord in the many ways He comes to you every day and then by sharing that encounter with others. Share your faith with joy and conviction so that others may behold our Lord with you.
Most holy Lamb of God, I behold You and love You. Help me to do so every day, in the countless ways that You come to me, speak to me, and inspire me with the gift of faith. As I see You and believe in You, give me a heart of courage and joy so that I will freely share my faith with others, pointing them to You. Jesus, I trust in You.
Come and See
January 5, when before Epiphany
Philip found Nathanael and told him, “We have found the one about whom Moses wrote in the law, and also the prophets, Jesus, son of Joseph, from Nazareth.” But Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come from Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.” John 1:45–46
Among Jesus’ first followers were Andrew, Simon (later named Peter), Philip, and Nathanael (also known as Bartholomew). Philip was from the small town of Bethsaida, located on the northern edge of the Sea of Galilee, and he knew the brothers Simon and Andrew who also grew up there. Andrew, a disciple of John the Baptist, was the first of the group to meet Jesus when John pointed to Him as the Lamb of God. Andrew then introduced Jesus to his brother, Simon, who also became Jesus’ follower. Afterward, Jesus decided to go to Galilee, where He found Philip and said to him, “Follow me.” Philip immediately did so and then went to tell his friend Nathanael that they had found the Messiah.
As the Gospel continues, Nathanael’s conversion is particularly intriguing. Though Nathanael initially doubted that the Messiah could come from the small and insignificant town of Nazareth, he allowed Philip to make the introduction. When Philip brought Nathanael to Jesus, Jesus said to him, “Here is a true child of Israel. There is no duplicity in him.” When Nathanael asked Jesus how He knew him, Jesus simply responded, “Before Philip called you, I saw you under the fig tree.” And with that, Nathanael exclaimed, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel.”
Why did these four men convert so quickly and easily? Though on the surface there is nothing particularly impressive about Jesus’ first interactions with them, underneath much was happening. As each of them met our Lord, grace instilled faith within their hearts, and they believed. This is only possible when a heart is searching and open to God’s voice and His invitation to follow Him.
When we evangelize, we need to imitate Andrew and Philip. We need to look for hearts that are hungry and searching. Andrew went to Simon, and Philip went to Nathanael because they knew they were open. For that reason, the Holy Spirit inspired Andrew to tell his brother, Simon, about Jesus and Philip to tell his friend Nathanael. Their actions are a model for us to follow as we seek to evangelize others.
Reflect today on those in your life who seem hungry for God. Do you know someone who is searching? Who needs a gentle invitation to “come and see?” Debating with others rarely works. Wise argumentation is often insufficient. What is needed is an attentiveness to those whose hearts are open and whose minds are searching. Look for those in your life who are like Simon and Nathanael and invite them in some way to come and see our Lord.
My inviting Lord, You see below the surface and understand the minds and hearts of all people. Please inspire me to become more attentive to those in my life who are searching for You, who are hungry and open. Give me the humility and courage I need to invite them to come to You and the words to say that will help them find You. Jesus, I trust in You.
Meeting Christ within the Church
January 6, when before Epiphany
When Jesus began his ministry he was about thirty years of age. He was the son, as was thought, of Joseph, the son of Heli, the son of Matthat, the son of Levi, the son of Melchi, the son of Jannai, the son of Joseph… Luke 3:23–24
One of today’s Gospel options comes from Luke’s version of Jesus’ genealogy that begins by noting that Jesus “was about thirty years of age” when He began His public ministry. According to Jewish tradition, thirty was the age at which a man reached full maturity and could assume responsibilities, such as teaching as a rabbi.
It’s interesting that Jesus waited until He reached the age of full maturity to begin His ministry and ultimately to die for the salvation of souls. His sacred life could have been offered sacrificially by His parents in the Temple, and that sacrifice would have sufficed for the salvation of souls. He could have begun His official teaching ministry at the age of twelve, when He was found in the Temple, demonstrating great wisdom. But He waited, likely because He respected the Jewish customs and laws and exercised His saving mission within their constructs.
Jesus and His parents fulfilled every precept of the Old Law to perfection. They were faithful Jews who respected all that had been revealed throughout the ages. It was only when He began His public ministry that He challenged some of the laws enacted by the scribes and Pharisees that misconstrued the divine Law.
This is important to understand because just as Jesus operated within the religious structures of His time, He continues to do so today through the Church He established. He chose to create a Church that became the means of the transmission of His teaching and grace. He placed the Apostles, the first bishops, in charge of His Church and gave them authority to preach, administer the Sacraments, and govern in His name.
Though God can save anyone in any way He chooses, the ordinary way of salvation comes to us through the structures of the Church. Some Christians have deviated from this divine and human institution. The human side of the Church, which includes the sins and failings of its leaders, might at times obscure its mission. Despite this, the divine component of the Church guarantees God’s continuing presence within it, making it the primary instrument of grace and salvation.
As we reflect on the beginnings of Jesus’ public ministry, ponder Jesus’ commitment to continue to come to us through the Church He established. As during Jesus’ time, there are and always will be those within the Church, including some leaders, who misconstrue the will of God. Though we are called to confront injustice as Jesus did, we must remain within the life of the Church, respecting it as the instrument through which our Lord comes to us.
Reflect today on your own relationship with the Church our Lord established. Are you obedient to its statutes and customs? Can you look beyond the weaknesses of some leaders and recognize the saving mission of our Lord? For within the Church, we will discover our obedient Messiah, who ministers to us through the structures He established.
My obedient Lord, You fulfilled the Old Law to perfection, and within that Old Law, brought forth the New Law of grace and mercy, administered to us through Your Church. I pray for the Church, Her leaders, and all Her members. May we truly become one family in You and discover Your presence within. Jesus, I trust in You.
Fullness of Grace, Truth, and Divine Love
January 7, when before Epiphany
“Everyone serves good wine first, and then when people have drunk freely, an inferior one; but you have kept the good wine until now” John 2:10
The Wedding Feast at Cana is the first of seven signs in John’s Gospel that reveal Jesus’ divine mission. Each sign is a miracle that symbolizes some aspect of God’s eternal plan of salvation. In John’s Gospel, the Wedding Feast at Cana marks the official start of Jesus’ public ministry. Some, or possibly all, of His disciples had already been called and were most likely with Him at the wedding feast, as was His mother.
It’s fascinating that our Lord not only transformed water into wine, but into the best wine. We can imagine that the quality of the wine far surpassed any other. Additionally, the quantity of the wine was between 120 and 180 gallons, which carries its own symbolism.
The jars Jesus asked the servants to fill with water were used for Jewish ceremonial washings. This is significant because they symbolize the Old Law of Moses and the ritualistic worship of God. By using them for the miracle, our Lord symbolically reveals that He came to initiate the New Law of grace, truth, and divine love. The superabundance of the best wine, coming after the poorer quality of wine provided by the bride and groom, indicates that the Old Law, while good, was not the fullness of God’s plan of salvation. The fullness is found in the New Law that our Lord came to establish.
Today, we are blessed to share in the ongoing abundance of this new and best wine. We have received the fullness of Truth in the Person of Jesus Christ, as communicated to us through the Gospels, the living Word of God. We receive the most precious “wine” within the holy Mass, when the bread and wine are transformed into Him Who is the New Law and New Wine. His Body and Blood invite us to participate in the Wedding of the Lamb, by entering into spiritual marriage with Him, the Bridegroom of the Church.
The transition from ordinary wine to the best wine at the Wedding at Cana can also be understood as a symbol of a soul’s journey toward God. At first, our conversion and prayer life are like ordinary wine. The ordinary wine is savored and enjoyed, just as one’s initial conversion is a delight. The best wine symbolizes the soul who has journeyed deeper into a life of conversion. Such wine is so delightful and abundant that one becomes inebriated by grace. We are made for this kind of wine.
Reflect today on the superabundance of grace that is available to you. God is not stingy with grace; He offers it freely and in great quantity. It is of the highest quality, being a divine gift. Learn to savor this New Wine through your life of daily prayer, ongoing conversion, and participation in the Sacraments within the life of the Church. See yourself as the bride, invited to the feast by the Bridegroom. Accept that invitation and allow grace to flood your soul so that you become inebriated by the mercy of God.
My most generous Lord, You offer Your mercy to me and to all people in superabundance. The quality of Your grace is beyond anything else this world has to offer. Please draw me to Yourself, the Bridegroom of my soul, so that I can share in the eternal banquet and wedding of my soul. Jesus, I trust in You.
The Purpose of Life on Earth
Second Sunday after Christmas
(When Epiphany is not transferred to the Sunday after January 1)
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. John 1:1
Imagine the very beginning, before time, before the Universe existed. All that existed was the Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. God was perfectly fulfilled as a community of divine love shared among the three Persons. Yet God’s love was so intense that He chose to create the purely spiritual world of angels, with whom He shared His love and whom He invited into His Triune life. Those angelic beings who cooperated with God’s grace immediately merited seeing God face-to-face. Those who did not were forever separated from Him.
Saint Thomas Aquinas speculates that God created the physical universe at the same time He created the spiritual world. Within this physical universe, God created humanity, endowing our bodies with spirits, giving us free will, and inviting us to choose to cooperate with His grace. This choice is what this life is all about. Our lives on Earth are not for personal gain, worldly power, and prestige, nor for wealth and material possessions. This world will pass, as will each of us, and the choices we make in this life will have eternal consequences.
Though these truths are foundational to our faith, the central purpose of our lives on Earth is easily forgotten. It’s hard for us to see life from an eternal perspective. It’s difficult to remember that life is not about the passing pleasures or struggles that make up our days but about building a spiritual habit of ongoing fidelity to the will of God, in preparation for the eternal rewards that we anticipate.
God the Son is the Eternal Word, spoken of at the beginning of John’s Gospel. It’s helpful to ponder God’s eternal existence and His choice to create the angels, the universe, and humanity. Unless we maintain this eternal perspective and daily remind ourselves of the reason God created us, we will easily go astray and treat this life as if it is the end, filling it with as many passing pleasures as possible.
Saint Augustine said it best when he wrote, “You made us for Yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in You.” We were created to share in God’s life. We were made because the love shared by each Person of the Holy Trinity overflowed in superabundance. We were made because God wanted to share His life with us, to behold Him face-to-face, and to love Him with every fiber of our beings.
Reflect today on the beginning when there was only God. Try to see your life from His eternal perspective. Ponder His intention in creating you. Strive to fulfill His intention and see yourself as He sees you, desiring for your life all that He desired before the creation of the world.
Eternal Word, You existed from the beginning with Your Father and the Holy Spirit. With Them, You created the spiritual and physical worlds of angels and men so that You could invite us to share in Your life. Please help me to always see my life from this eternal perspective, fulfilling the purpose for which I was made. Jesus, I trust in You.
The Star of Bethlehem
The Epiphany of the Lord
January 6, or the first Sunday after January 1
When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the days of King Herod, behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage.” When King Herod heard this, he was greatly troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. Matthew 2:1–3
Why did God use a star to reveal the birth of the King of Kings to foreigners from the East? To Mary, Joseph, and even the shepherds, God sent an angel to announce the Good News. But to the Magi, He chose to use a medium they understood—a star.
The Magi, originally a priestly caste from Persia, were skilled in astrology, astronomy, dream interpretation, and other forms of wisdom and divination. The three Magi mentioned in Matthew’s Gospel were clearly experts in astrology, carefully studying the night sky. On the night of Christ’s birth, they made an extraordinary discovery: a new star had appeared in the sky. They knew it was a sign of great significance. According to their beliefs, the appearance of a new star heralded the birth of a new king.
This star was not just a celestial phenomenon; it symbolized the light of Christ breaking into the world, guiding all nations—Jew and Gentile alike—toward the Savior. Just as God drew humble Jewish shepherds to the newborn King, He also drew representatives of the Gentiles to adore Him, for Jesus came to save all of humanity.
The divine initiative to include the Gentiles was not a new concept but a fulfillment of a promise made to Abraham: “All the families of the earth will find blessing in you” (Genesis 12:3). The prophets and Psalms echo this theme, emphasizing that all nations will come to the Lord (see Isaiah 2:2-4; Psalm 67). In Jesus’ public ministry, we see His outreach to the Gentiles, a mission that continued in the early Church, as recorded in the Acts of the Apostles. At the time of Jesus’ birth, however, the Jewish emphasis was primarily on being the chosen people. The story of the Epiphany reveals God’s universal call to holiness from the very beginning of Jesus’ life, establishing that His mission was for all people, not just for Israel.
Because of this universal call to holiness, we who believe in Christ and live our Catholic faith must avoid becoming isolated or insular, creating a small, self-contained world. Instead, we are called to live our faith in a way that is welcoming to all and engaged with the broader world, reflecting the universal mission of the Church. Being Catholic is not merely a cultural heritage; it is the spiritual means of eternal salvation that everyone needs. The word “epiphany” means “manifestation,” and Christ must be made manifest to all, becoming the King of every soul.
As we celebrate the Epiphany, be open to the ways God might want to use you to share the light of faith with those who are not yet faithful Catholics. We must be like the star of Bethlehem, drawing others to Christ in ways they can understand and accept. This is best accomplished when we place ourselves at God’s service, ready to be used as instruments of His grace. God alone knows how to draw all people to Himself, and when we offer ourselves to His service, He will inspire us and use us to be that shining light, guiding others out of darkness and into His marvelous light.
My Lord and Light of the World, You desire to shine brightly for all to see, so that all may be drawn to You, the one and only Savior of all. Please use me as You will, to be like that star over Bethlehem. Give me wisdom, love, and courage to shine brightly, radiating Your light for all to see. Jesus, I trust in You.
Evangelizing the World
First Christmas Weekday after Epiphany
Monday after Epiphany or January 7
[Jesus] went around all of Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom, and curing every disease and illness among the people. His fame spread to all of Syria, and they brought to him all who were sick with various diseases and racked with pain, those who were possessed, lunatics, and paralytics, and he cured them. And great crowds from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, and Judea, and from beyond the Jordan followed him. Matthew 4:23–24
Once Jesus began healing the sick, expelling demons, curing paralytics, and performing other miracles, news about Him spread rapidly, reaching far beyond the boundaries of modern-day Israel. Galilee comprised northern Israel, while the Decapolis referred to a group of ten major cities in what are modern-day Jordan, Israel, and Syria. Jerusalem, the religious and cultural heart of Judaism, was the most important Jewish city, and Judea encompassed the territory surrounding Jerusalem in southern Israel. Ancient Syria covered a broader area than modern-day Syria, including parts of what are now Lebanon, Israel, and Jordan. Jesus’ fame spread throughout this vast and diverse region, which included Jews, Greeks, Romans, and other ethnic groups.
Today, it’s not uncommon for news stories or social media posts to go viral, given the immediacy and vast outreach of the Internet. “Going viral” in Jesus’ time was much different. Word-of-mouth passed from person to person, town to town, transcending cultural and linguistic boundaries. Jews, Greeks, Romans, and others began to hear about the astonishing things happening through Jesus of Nazareth, prompting many to believe.
It’s true that miracles naturally draw attention, especially from those in need of one. Many likely came to see Jesus out of curiosity or fascination. Could the stories be true? Could He really heal the sick, give sight to the blind, hearing to the deaf, and even raise the dead?
Sadly, much of what goes viral today is shocking or scandalous. Such news often spreads quickly but fades just as fast. That was not the case with our Lord. Though some were drawn to Him only because of His miracles, countless others were completely transformed by Him, so much so that the Good News of Jesus continues to be one of the most talked about and impactful events in human history.
The Bible is the most widely read and published book in history and has been translated into more languages than any other book. Despite this, billions of people today still do not know Jesus as their Savior. Instead, they are bombarded with shock and scandal, extreme drama, pornography, and every other form of instant sensationalism. In an era when communication is so easy, far-reaching, and instantaneous, we, as members of Christ’s Body, the Church, must do all we can to spread the Gospel to the ends of the earth.
Reflect today upon the billions of people around the world who do not know that Jesus Christ is the one and only Lord and Messiah. Imagine what could happen if the entire world turned to Him, surrendered their lives to Him, and sought His holy will with all their hearts. As you ponder this spiritual challenge, prayerfully place yourself at the service of Christ and His Gospel. Sometimes our mission is to focus on close family and friends. At other times, we might be called to a much broader mission, even in a “viral” way. Strive to become as holy as you can so that our Lord can use you however He chooses.
My saving Lord, though many in our world know of You, many do not know You in a personal and faith-filled way. Please save souls, dear Lord, by sending Your saving message to all. I pray for the conversion of the entire world and offer myself to You to use me as You will. Jesus, I trust in You.
Practicality is Not Enough
Second Christmas Weekday after Epiphany
Tuesday after Epiphany or January 8
By now it was already late and his disciples approached him and said, “This is a deserted place and it is already very late. Dismiss them so that they can go to the surrounding farms and villages and buy themselves something to eat.” Mark 6:35–36
It is wise to be practical, realistic, and pragmatic. But when it comes to Christ and our call to participate in His divine mission, pragmatism can sometimes be a hindrance. Today’s Gospel illustrates this truth powerfully.
The passage begins by showing the compassionate heart of Christ, who looked out upon the vast crowds of spiritually hungry people who were “like sheep without a shepherd.” Without a shepherd, sheep wander aimlessly, often missing the greenest pastures. Moved with compassion, Jesus feeds His flock by teaching them “many things.”
Then came a test—not so much for the crowd, but for Jesus’ Apostles whom He was training to continue His mission. Though the Apostles eventually shared in Jesus’ mission as the first bishops of the Church, we are all called to participate in His mission in our unique ways. Therefore, the test Jesus gave to His Apostles is just as relevant to us today.
When the Apostles suggested dismissing the crowd to find food, Jesus surprised them with a challenging command: “Give them some food yourselves.” This was the test. Jesus knew full well that they lacked the resources to feed thousands, but He posed the challenge to draw out their faith. Rather than acting themselves or turning to Him in confident trust, they responded with human logic and doubt. It was only when they presented their meager resources—five loaves and two fish—that Jesus performed the miracle, showing them that divine power begins where human resources end. This moment taught the Apostles that their role in Christ’s mission would not depend on their sufficiency, but on their obedience, trust, and cooperation with His grace.
Consider how this test applies to your life. First, reflect on the crowd. Do you know people who are “like sheep without a shepherd?” Who are the wandering, the searching, and the hungry? Some are physically hungry—the poor and destitute. Others might be materially well-off but are spiritually starving. The first step in our “test” is to recognize those in need, whether physical or spiritual.
Once we perceive the needs of others, we must consider how our Lord wants to use us to meet those needs. This is where practicality or pragmatism must be harmonized with supernatural prudence. It’s easy to look at another’s needs and think, “There is little I can do.” Indeed, by ourselves, we are powerless to provide what others truly need. But when we offer the little we have to Christ, trusting in His supernatural power, our small offering is divinely transformed into a source of abundant blessings. Our “five loaves and two fish” represent our willingness to give what we have, knowing that, with God’s grace, it can feed the multitudes.
Reflect today on this Gospel passage as if you were standing with the Twelve Apostles. Consider those God has placed in your life who are hungry and wandering. As you identify them, offer to God everything you have and all that you are, trusting that He desires to work through you. With deep faith, you will be amazed at what God can accomplish through your humble offering.
My providential Lord, Your compassion is unfathomable, and Your grace is all-powerful. Give me a heart like Yours so that I may see those whom You want to love through me. Grant me courage and faith so that I may offer my life to You—everything that I am and have—so that You can bring superabundant blessings through me. Jesus, I trust in You.
It is I, Do Not Be Afraid!
Third Christmas Weekday after Epiphany
Wednesday after Epiphany or January 9
“Take courage, it is I, do not be afraid!” He got into the boat with them and the wind died down. They were completely astounded. They had not understood the incident of the loaves. On the contrary, their hearts were hardened. Mark 6:50–52
When Jesus appeared to the Apostles, walking on the sea, they were filled with fear. His words to them are the same words He speaks to us: “Take courage, it is I, do not be afraid!” We need to hear those words more often than we realize. Many things in life can cause us to fear, worry, obsess, fall into depression, or even despair. This is because, like the Apostles, we often fail to fully grasp Who God is. As a result, our hearts remain hardened.
A hardened heart is the direct result of not understanding Who God is in our lives. Unless we come to know Him, comprehend His love for us, and place our full trust in Him, our hearts cannot be fully set free. Despite witnessing miracle after miracle, listening to sermon after sermon, and even preaching and performing miracles themselves, the Apostles still did not fully understand and believe. The Gospel tells us that “their hearts were hardened” because “they had not understood the incident of the loaves.”
When Jesus said to His Apostles, “Take courage, it is I, do not be afraid!” He wanted to instill profound faith within them. We must also allow those words to resonate deeply within us. Courage dispels fear. By saying “it is I,” our Lord is revealing, “I AM God!” The Greek phrase ego eimi used here is the same one found in Exodus 3:14 when God reveals His name: “I AM.” Though we might believe this with our minds, we often fail to let God’s revelation penetrate our hearts and dispel the fears and doubts we face in life.
The symbolism of this Gospel passage is powerful. The sea represents the world, and the waves and the wind symbolize the chaos and turmoil we often encounter within it. The boat is the Church. By walking on the water at night, our Lord reveals His complete mastery over everything in this world. By entering the boat as it was being tossed by the waves and wind, He shows that He is always present within His Church and will bring peace and calm if we let Him.
Reflect today on our Lord looking directly at you and saying, “Take courage, it is I, do not be afraid!” Give your full attention to Him. No matter what struggles you face, no matter the chaos that seems to surround you, there is nothing beyond God’s power. Believe this, do not be afraid, invite Him into your heart, and His peace will abound.
My Lord and great I AM, You are God Almighty. You can calm every storm, heal every wound, restore peace, and give courage in the face of turmoil. Help me to hear You say to me, “It is I, do not be afraid!” I pray that I will never doubt You, never waver in my faith, and always place my trust in You. Jesus, I trust in You.
God’s Perfect Timing
Fourth Christmas Weekday after Epiphany
Thursday after Epiphany or January 10
Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news of him spread throughout the whole region. He taught in their synagogues and was praised by all. Luke 4:14–15
This passage from Luke’s Gospel takes place immediately after Jesus was baptized by John and spent forty days in the desert, enduring and overcoming the temptations of the evil one. He returned to Galilee “in the power of the Spirit.” Although Luke had not yet recorded any of Jesus’ miracles, it becomes clear later in the chapter that Jesus had already performed some in Capernaum, and “news of him spread throughout the whole region.”
What was it that caught the attention of so many people? In addition to the word spreading about His miracles, it’s likely that the aura of sanctity He had begun to manifest also drew people in. Until that time, Jesus had lived a hidden life. Though He was perfect in every way, His divinity remained concealed within His humanity until the appointed time for His manifestation. Now that the time had come, the veil began to lift, and people started to take notice.
Similarly, in our lives, there are times when God calls us to keep our faith concealed within the depths of our souls, to deepen our personal conversion. Then there are times when God lifts the veil and manifests His grace and mercy through us to others. This intentional manifestation of God’s grace and glory must happen according to the power and timing of the Holy Spirit. It’s not for us to decide how God wants to shine through us—it’s up to Him.
When you examine your life, what do you see as God’s will for you right now? Perhaps your conversion is recent, and much is taking place interiorly. Maybe you are facing temptations and need to rest with our Lord in the desert, confronting and overcoming the evil one. Or perhaps this is a time when God wants to begin manifesting His holiness through you more clearly to others.
Today’s Gospel ends on a high note: “all spoke highly of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his mouth.” That quickly changed, however, when our Lord chastised the people of Nazareth for being more interested in seeing a miracle than in embracing Him as the Anointed One of God, spoken of in the passage He had just read from Isaiah. Jesus’ mission was to convert hearts and reveal His true identity as the Messiah. Because the people in His hometown were more interested in seeing a miracle, as if it were a magic trick, they missed the true purpose of His mission and blamed their hardness of heart on Jesus.
Likewise, in our lives, when God chooses to manifest His divine grace through us, we should not expect everyone to be receptive. When we are changed by grace, that change will challenge others. Just as the people in Jesus’ hometown were not ready to accept Who He was and is, we should anticipate that some might not accept that God is manifesting His grace and truth through us and reject us as those in Nazareth rejected our Lord.
Reflect today on the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry. As you do, consider whether God might be calling you to begin a “public ministry” of your own, in the way He wills. Be at peace with whatever reaction you receive. While some will rejoice with you, others might not. Have courage, listen to the Holy Spirit, and allow God’s anointing to manifest Himself through you in any way He chooses.
My divine Lord, in accord with Your Father’s will, You concealed Your divinity during the first thirty years of Your earthly life. When the time was right, You began to lift the veil and reveal Your holiness and power. Please help me discern when to embrace a hidden life of prayer and conversion and when You wish to manifest Your holiness through me. Give me the courage to act always in accord with Your perfect will and perfect timing. Jesus, I trust in You.
A Model of Prayer
Fifth Christmas Weekday after Epiphany
Friday after Epiphany or January 11
It happened that there was a man full of leprosy in one of the towns where Jesus was; and when he saw Jesus, he fell prostrate, pleaded with him, and said, “Lord, if you wish, you can make me clean.” Luke 5:12
What a perfect prayer! This leper, likely shunned by the townspeople, including his own family, had been reduced to a life of isolation and rejection. Some might have pitied him, but out of fear of contracting his dread disease, they kept their distance. The emotional and social isolation he endured would have been even more painful than the physical suffering caused by leprosy.
This miracle takes place shortly after the people in Jesus’ hometown of Nazareth rejected Him. The Nazarenes’ rejection stemmed from a sense of entitlement; they saw themselves as God’s chosen people and thus believed they were entitled to His grace and blessings. When Jesus confronted their false beliefs, they became hostile and even attempted to kill Him. As a result, He left Nazareth and continued His ministry in Capernaum and other towns.
Jesus did not perform miracles to impress others or to win their esteem. Instead, He performed miracles for those who already exhibited deep faith. The miracles were not only intended to reveal His identity but were primarily acts of love meant to invite the faithful to believe more deeply. This leper is a perfect example of such faith.
First, the man approached Jesus and “fell prostrate” before Him. In doing so, he professed his faith in Jesus as the Messiah. This act of faith was enough to open the floodgates of God’s blessings. The leper believed and worshiped first, and because of this, God’s grace was poured out upon him. Too often, we seek blessings first, as if we are entitled to anything from God. We might say, “Please do me this favor, Lord, and then I will believe.” But that is not how it works. Jesus is God and must be treated as such. Whether we are blessed or not, whether we suffer or not, we must worship God because He is God. This leper understood that.
The leper’s prayer for healing is also a model of humility and trust. He did not directly ask Jesus to heal him. Instead, he professed his faith in Jesus’ ability to heal, saying, “Lord, if you wish, you can make me clean.” This expression of faith unlocked the tender compassion of our Lord, who responded, “I do will it. Be made clean.”
When you pray, do you tell God what He should do for you? Do you present Him with a list of your ideas and expectations? If so, try setting those aside. Begin your prayer by worshiping God simply because He is God. When it comes to your needs, place them before Him with trust, but avoid telling God what to do. God knows what is best for you. Presenting your needs to Him should not be a plea for Him to fulfill your will; rather, it should be an act of trust, believing that He will do what is best according to His will. We must desire nothing other than that.
Reflect today on the example of this leper. Though the disease of leprosy is a dreadful affliction, the leper’s model of prayer is truly admirable. Consider whether you follow his example. Love, worship, and profess your faith in God, and then entrust yourself to His providential care, ready to embrace His will no matter what it may be. This form of holy detachment will unleash God’s mercy and provide you with what you need most—God’s will.
My miraculous Lord, too often I come to You with my needs, telling You what I want You to do for me. Please grant me a humble and faith-filled heart like that of the leper. May my first prayer always be one of worship. May my worship lead to trust so that Your will, not mine, may be done in my life. Jesus, I trust in You.
He Must Increase in Your Soul
Sixth Christmas Weekday after Epiphany
Saturday after Epiphany or January 12
“Rabbi, the one who was with you across the Jordan, to whom you testified, here he is baptizing and everyone is coming to him.” John answered and said, “No one can receive anything except what has been given from heaven. You yourselves can testify that I said that I am not the Christ, but that I was sent before him. The one who has the bride is the bridegroom; the best man, who stands and listens for him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom’s voice. So this joy of mine has been made complete. He must increase; I must decrease.” John 3:26–30
John the Baptist’s words are filled with humility and truth. Imagine the scene. John had acquired quite a following. His ministry was flourishing, and many people were coming to him to receive his baptism of repentance. Then, suddenly, Jesus appeared and began to gather His own followers, including some of John’s disciples.
Human weakness and sin led some of John’s remaining disciples to feel envious and jealous as Jesus’ ministry grew. They perceived Jesus’ success as surpassing their own, leading them to desire what Jesus and His disciples had and feel discontented with their own circumstances. They were also jealous of the potential loss of their status within what seemed to be John’s diminishing ministry.
John, however, felt no envy or jealousy. He rejoiced greatly at Jesus’ arrival because he knew that his ministry existed solely to point people to Jesus. The fulfillment of John’s ministry was, in fact, its completion, as it gave way to the establishment and growth of Jesus’ ministry. His final words to his disciples must continuously echo within our own minds and hearts: “He must increase; I must decrease.”
We can apply John’s humble words to our own souls by acknowledging that every good thing in our lives is a gift from God, not the result of our own efforts. For this reason, God’s influence in our lives must increase while our control decreases. This is humbling because the closer we become united to Christ, the less we can take credit for our own actions. If God uses us, He deserves the glory, not us. Envy may tempt us to take credit for our own goodness and to feel discontent when others do not praise us. Jealousy may tempt us to hold on to self-righteousness, honors, and spiritual consolations when we are called to live more sacrificially and selflessly.
Like John, as our Lord increases within us, exercising His sacred ministry within our souls, we must see ourselves as the best man at a wedding, rejoicing that the Groom has arrived, and pointing only to Him, rather than to ourselves. Just as John’s mission was to prepare the way for Christ and then step aside, our efforts at conversion and repentance should culminate in Christ taking over. We must become His Body: His hands, His feet, and His heart. He must take over, and our will must become His will; our charity, His charity; our lives, His life. With Saint Paul, we must long for the day when we can cry out, “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me…” (Galatians 2:20).
Reflect today on the conclusion of John’s ministry as the beginning of Jesus’ ministry. See John’s decrease and Christ’s increase as a model for your own soul. Consider all the effort you have put into repenting, turning from sin, and turning to God. See that effort as preparation for Jesus to take over. Let Him take over, and give Him all the credit and glory. Pray that He increases in your life to the point that it is no longer you who lives, but Christ Who lives in you.
My transforming Lord, You invite me to embrace the humility of Saint John the Baptist so that my human effort, my actions, and all that I am will diminish as You take over my life. Please humble me, Lord, and transform me, making me into Your Body in the world. Jesus, I trust in You.
An Indelible Spiritual Mark
The Baptism of the Lord
Sunday after January 6 (Year A)
Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him. John tried to prevent him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and yet you are coming to me?” Jesus said to him in reply, “Allow it now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he allowed him. Matthew 3:13–15
John the Baptist was the last of the Old Testament prophets, entrusted with the mission to immediately prepare the way for the Messiah. Today’s feast marks a pivotal transition from the Old Law to the New. Prior to Jesus’ baptism, John’s mission was in full motion. With Jesus’ baptism, the mission of the Old Testament prophets is fulfilled, and the New Law of grace begins.
Why did Jesus enter the waters of baptism? He was sinless and had no need of repentance. Yet, in His divine wisdom, Jesus chose to be baptized to sanctify the waters, opening the gateway of grace for all who would follow. By entering the waters of baptism, Jesus set a precedent. Every Christian who enters the waters of baptism meets our Lord there, sharing in His life of grace.
As we reflect on Christ’s baptism today, we are invited to consider our own. Most of us were baptized as infants and have no memory of the event. Others came to baptism later in life, fully aware of the grace they were receiving. Regardless of when it occurred, baptism’s effects are profound and enduring. That singular moment of sanctification forever changed us, and its transformative power remains active within us.
Through baptism, Jesus meets us under the waters. When baptism is performed by full immersion, it powerfully symbolizes the reality of this encounter. We enter the waters of repentance, as John offered, but we emerge united with Christ. Just as the Father’s voice declared at Jesus’ baptism, “You are my beloved Son…,” so too does the Father continually speak to us after our baptism, affirming our identity as His beloved children. The Holy Spirit descends upon us, and we are offered every gift of the Spirit, provided our hearts remain open.
Baptism occurs only once in our lives and imprints on our souls an “indelible spiritual mark (character)” (see Catechism of the Catholic Church #1272 and 1274). This mark configures us to Christ and signifies our permanent belonging to Him and His Church. It cannot be lost or removed, even by mortal sin. However, while this character endures forever, the state of sanctifying grace within our souls can be lost through mortal sin. In such cases, the grace of baptism is restored through the Sacrament of Reconciliation in which our souls are once again cleansed and brought back into full communion with God. Marked as members of Christ’s Body, we are continually disposed to receive sanctifying grace through the other sacraments, as long as we remain in a state of grace. Baptism accomplishes this disposition, enabling us to participate fully in the life of grace that flows from Christ.
As we celebrate the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, reflect today on your own baptism. You are forever marked as a child of God. You encountered our Lord under the waters of baptism, were cleansed of all sin, and were filled with sanctifying grace. Though sin diminishes or even extinguishes that grace when it is mortal, the Sacrament of Reconciliation restores it, and the Eucharist and other sacraments increase it. Always return to your baptismal grace, seeking to live out your identity as God’s son or daughter, as this sacred mark intends.
My sanctifying Lord, through the waters of baptism, I encountered You and received the abundant grace You bestowed upon me. Please help me to keep my soul free from sin and to live with the true dignity of a child of God. Thank You for meeting me under those waters. May I remain with You, growing ever closer to You by the ongoing gift of all the Sacraments. Jesus, I trust in You.
Our Identity in Christ
The Baptism of the Lord
Sunday after January 6 (Year B)
It happened in those days that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized in the Jordan by John. On coming up out of the water he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit, like a dove, descending upon him. And a voice came from the heavens, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.” Mark 1:9–11
The Baptism of the Lord marks the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry. As we celebrate this feast, we are drawn to the Father’s voice proclaiming His pleasure with His Son: “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.” Though Jesus did not need this affirmation to strengthen His self-image or to bolster His confidence in His mission, the Father spoke these words for everyone to hear. They were spoken not only for the crowd’s sake but because they were the pure truth—words of extraordinary love.
The Son and the Father are eternally united in perfect love. When the Son of God became man, He experienced the Father’s love within time and in His human nature. Thus, when Jesus heard those words from His Father, His human soul would have been flooded with perfect consolation, returning that same profound love to the Father. This understanding is vital for us because we are invited to share in every aspect of Jesus’ life, including hearing these words spoken to us.
When the Father in Heaven looks upon us, He sees two things. First, He sees our moral life—both our virtues and our vices. When He sees our virtues in action, He is pleased, and He floods our soul with an increase of grace, helping our virtues grow into stable habits that give Him glory. When He sees our sins, He is filled with holy sorrow, and He responds by offering us countless graces, calling us to repentance and conversion.
When we sin, especially when we fall into habitual sin, it’s easy to become discouraged, to look down on ourselves, and to imagine an angry God who condemns us. But while God is perfectly just, He is also perfectly merciful. His justice is meant to turn us toward His mercy, helping us shed any false image of God that leads to despair.
At Jesus’ baptism, the Father looked upon His Son and saw the perfection of Jesus’ human virtue, fully united with His divinity. But there was something even more profound that pleased the Father: the simple fact that Jesus was His Son. This alone was enough to bring the Father perfect joy.
The same is true for us. When the Father looks at us, He sees not only our sins and virtues but also sees us as His sons and daughters. The indelible mark of baptism on our souls causes the Father to continually cry out, “You are my beloved son/daughter; with you I am well pleased.” Our virtue pleases God, but so does the simple fact that we have been baptized into His Son. This understanding is crucial because it touches on the heart of our identity. As Saint John Paul II said during World Youth Day, “We are not the sum of our weaknesses and failures; we are the sum of the Father’s love for us and our real capacity to become the image of His Son Jesus” (Toronto, July 28, 2002).
Reflect today on the loving and affectionate words spoken by the Father to the Son. Hear them spoken to you. Root your identity in the Father’s love and His pleasure in you as His child. Though sin must be repented of, it does not define who we are. Our true identity is found in the Father’s love and in our adoption as His children in Christ.
Most loving Father, I am Your beloved child. I thank You for looking upon me with such love and for taking delight in my adoption into Your Family. Help me to repent of my sins, but more importantly, help me to always find my identity in Your love and in being Your child. Jesus, I trust in You.
A Heavenly Vision
The Baptism of the Lord
Sunday after January 6 (Year C)
After all the people had been baptized and Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit descended upon him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.” Luke 3:21–22
What a scene this must have been! Heaven opened for all to see, and the Holy Spirit descended upon Jesus, the Son of God, in bodily form like a dove. Imagine being present at that moment. Every eye would have been fixed on this divine manifestation. Time might have seemed to stand still as this heavenly vision unfolded. Many who witnessed it would have been filled with awe, asking themselves, “Who is this Man? Could He be the long-awaited Messiah?”
At that time, many Jews eagerly anticipated the coming of the Messiah as foretold by the prophets, though their expectations varied. The Pharisees were often more focused on strict observance of the Law, while the Sadducees emphasized the priestly aristocracy and Temple worship. However, John the Baptist’s ministry had sparked a renewed hope among the faithful for the Messiah’s imminent arrival. Remember that at Jesus’ dedication in the Temple, Simeon was among those devout Jews awaiting the consolation of Israel. When John began his public ministry, this anticipation grew even more among those who received his baptism. Therefore, those who witnessed the Holy Spirit descending upon Jesus likely recognized that the time of the Messiah had arrived.
As we celebrate the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, we too must be part of the faithful remnant who eagerly look for the coming of the Messiah—not only His Second Coming at the end of time but also in the many ways He comes to us each day as the anointed Savior, continuing His ministry among us.
Jesus’ baptism marked the beginning of His public ministry. Though this was a historical event, the beginning of His ministry is mystically made present to us each time we allow His ongoing mission to touch and transform our lives. With the eyes of faith, we must prayerfully seek Him, recognizing His divine presence in our world. Although evil often competes for our attention, we must look beyond it and search for our Lord, seeing the Holy Spirit descend upon Christ’s Body, the Church, of which we are members.
Reflect today on the scene of Jesus’ baptism. As you do, pray that you may be among the faithful remnant who are given the eyes of faith to see Heaven open and the Holy Spirit descending upon our Lord’s Body, the Church. This mystical reality can only be perceived through the gift of faith. As you receive this gift, let it fill you with hope and consolation, knowing that our Lord’s mission is once again beginning in your life and in the life of the Church. Pray for this gift, be open to it, anticipate it, and rejoice when you behold it. Then, fix your eyes on our Lord and follow Him as His ministry of salvation unfolds today.
My ever-coming and ever-present Lord, just as You began Your earthly public ministry long ago and revealed Yourself as the Messiah for the faithful to see, You continue to do so within Your Church. Please grant me the eyes of faith to see Your heavenly manifestation and to engage in Your ministry of salvation. Jesus, I trust in You.
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