Catholic Mass Readings and Reflection January 11, 2025

11th January 2025 (Saturday)

Psalter: Week 2

Readings of the Day

First Reading: 1 John 5:14-21

Beloved: this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him. If anyone sees his brother committing a sin not leading to death, he shall ask, and God will give him life—to those who commit sins that do not lead to death. There is sin that leads to death; I do not say that one should pray for that. All wrongdoing is sin, but there is sin that does not lead to death. We know that everyone who has been born of God does not keep on sinning, but he who was born of God protects him, and the evil one does not touch him. We know that we are from God, and the whole world lies in the power of the evil one. And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true; and we are in him who is true, in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life. Little children, keep yourselves from idols.

Psalm 149:1b-2,3-4,5-6a and 9b (R.4a)

R/. The Lord takes delight in his people or Alleluia

Gospel Acclamation

V/. Alleluia

R/. Alleluia

V/. The people dwelling in darkness have seen a great light, and for those dwelling in the region and shadow of death, on them a light has dawned.

R/. Alleluia.

Gospel: John 2. 1-11

At that time: After this Jesus and his disciples went into the Judean countryside, and he remained there with them and was baptizing. John also was baptizing at Aenon near Salim, because water was plentiful there, and people were coming and being baptized (for John had not yet been put in prison). Now a discussion arose between some of John’s disciples and a Jew over purification. And they came to John and said to him, “Rabbi, he who was with you across the Jordan, to whom you bore witness—look, he is baptizing, and all are going to him.” John answered, “A person cannot receive even one thing unless it is given him from heaven. You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, ‘I am not the Christ, but I have been sent before him.’ The one who has the bride is the bridegroom. The friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom’s voice. Therefore this joy of mine is now complete. He must increase, but I must decrease.”

Daily Gospel Reflection

Saturday – After Epiphany

Guidelines: Belonging to God protects us from evil. It keeps us grounded in faith and away from idolatry.

1. Those who belong to God resist evil and sin. They stay focused on God and avoid idols.

2. Modern idols include money, power, comfort, and pride, which lead many astray.

3. Even John the Baptist’s disciples struggled with jealousy over Jesus’ growing popularity. John reminded them that Jesus is the center, not him.

4. John’s humility teaches us to rejoice in God’s work through others without jealousy.

5. His attitude—ready to decrease for Jesus to increase—shows true devotion and selflessness.

Practice: Avoid jealousy and arrogance. Celebrate God’s work through others and focus on Him as the center of all.