Catholic Mass Readings and Reflection January 02, 2025

02th January 2025 (Thursday)

Psalter: Week 1

Readings of the Day

First Reading: 1 John 2:22-28

Beloved: Who is the liar? Whoever denies that Jesus is the Christ. Whoever denies the Father and the Son, this is the antichrist. Anyone who denies the Son does not have the Father, but whoever confesses the Son has the Father as well. Let what you heard from the beginning remain in you. If what you heard from the beginning remains in you, then you will remain in the Son and in the Father. And this is the promise that he made us: eternal life. I write you these things about those who would deceive you. As for you, the anointing that you received from him remains in you, so that you do not need anyone to teach you. But his anointing teaches you about everything and is true and not false; just as it taught you, remain in him. And now, children, remain in him, so that when he appears we may have confidence and not be put to shame by him at his coming.

Psalm 98:1, 2-3ab, 3cd-4 (R. 3cd)

R/. All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.

Gospel Acclamation

V/. Alleluia

R/. Alleluia

V/. In times, past, God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets: in these last days, he has spoken to us through his Son.

R/. Alleluia.

Gospel: John 1:19-28

This is the testimony of John. When the Jews from Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to him to ask him, “Who are you?” he admitted and did not deny it, but admitted, “I am not the Christ.” So they asked him, “What are you then? Are you Elijah?” And he said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” He answered, “No.” So they said to him, “Who are you, so we can give an answer to those who sent us? What do you have to say for yourself?” He said: “I am the voice of one crying out in the desert, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord,’ as Isaiah the prophet said.” Some Pharisees were also sent. They asked him, “Why then do you baptize if you are not the Christ or Elijah or the Prophet?” John answered them, “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.

Daily Gospel Reflection

Thursday – Weekday Before Epiphany

Guidelines: The world constantly tries to deceive and mislead us away from God and the truth. But as long as we stay rooted in God, nothing can truly mislead us.

1. We live in a world filled with lies, falsehood, and wrongdoings. It resists the truth and what is right. Temptations frequently attack us, using subtle and disguised methods. The desire for self-importance and personal glory can be especially strong.

2. John the Baptist faced similar challenges. He was tempted by the opportunity to present himself as the Messiah. People admired him and were ready to accept him in that role. This presented an easy chance for him to gain popularity.

3. However, John resisted this temptation. He serves as a powerful example of humility and honesty. With integrity, he rejected these false assumptions. He truthfully confirmed his role as a messenger, preparing the way for the Lord. He humbly described himself as just a voice in the wilderness and admitted he wasn’t worthy to untie the Messiah’s sandal.

4. What a remarkable contrast and lesson! Many people chase fame and recognition, often resorting to dishonest ways. But John, despite his popularity, remained humble, honest, and brave enough to reject false titles and present his true identity.

5. He understood that being truthful was more important than maintaining fame. Even if it cost him his recognition, he chose honesty. His clarity and conviction teach us that living in truth and doing what is right is the path to faithfulness. This was his identity and mission.

Practice: Being truthful and faithful requires humility and openness. This is the only path to genuine greatness and importance.