Gospel: January 3, 2025
January 3, 2025 (Friday)
Friday Before Epiphany
Psalter: Week 1 (White)
The Most Holy Name of Jesus
Responsorial Psalm: Ps 98: 1, 3cd-4, 5-6
All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.
1st Reading: 1 John 2:29–3:6
You know, that he is the Just One: know, then, that anyone living justly is born of God. See what singular love the Father has for us: we are called children of God, and we really are. This is why the world does not know us, because it did not know him. Beloved, we are God’s children, and what we shall be has not, yet, been shown. Yet, when he appears in his glory, we know, that we shall be like him, for, then, we shall see him as he is.
All who have such a hope, try to be pure, as he is pure. Anyone who commits a sin, acts as an enemy of the law of God; any sin acts wickedly, because all sin is wickedness. You know, that he came to take away our sins, and that there is no sin in him. Whoever remains in him, has no sin, whoever sins, has not seen, or known him.
Gospel: John 1:29-34
The next day, John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “There is the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! It is he of whom I said: A man comes after me, who is already ahead of me, for he was before me. I myself did not know him, but I came baptizing to prepare for him, so that he might be revealed in Israel.” And John also gave this testimony, “I saw the Spirit coming down on him, like a dove from heaven, and resting on him. I myself did not know him, but God, who sent me to baptize, told me, ‘You will see the Spirit coming down, and resting on the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’ Yes, I have seen! And I declare that this is the Chosen One of God!”
Reflection:
“Remain in his presence and love.”
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux encourages us to call on the name of Jesus, as it is medicine for the soul, strengthening us when our faith is weak, healing us when we are wounded by sin and restoring us when our emotions have got the better of us. Jesus, “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world,” heals us and takes away our sins.
Saint John the Evangelist calls us to remain in Christ, to maintain a strong relationship with him. However, relationships only develop if we spend time with the other person and talk to him or her frequently. If we call on the name of Jesus often, we will remain in his presence and remain in his love. That friendship with Jesus will make us more and more like him, shaping our choices and our actions, so that we will truly live as God’s children and brothers and sisters of Christ.
