Michael Brooks
On Sunday, January 7, 2024, the Catholic readings focused on the story of the wise men seeking Jesus, as written in the Gospel of Matthew, verses 1-12. The Gospel reading described how the wise men, guided by a star, travelled to Bethlehem to find Jesus and present him with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. The reflection encouraged readers to seek Jesus and embrace the wisdom that comes with it. The readings also included passages from Isaiah, Psalms, and Acts.
On Tuesday, January 7, 2025, the Catholic readings were from First John, Psalms, Luke, and Mark. The theme revolved around love, charity, and justice. The Gospel reading described Jesus' compassion for the multitude and his teachings. The day also commemorated St. Raymond of Penyafort, a priest who contributed significantly to the understanding of the Sacrament of Penance.
On Saturday, January 7, 2023, the Catholic readings recounted the Wedding at Cana in Galilee, as told in John 2:1-11. This miracle marked the beginning of Jesus' signs, revealing his glory and prompting his disciples to believe in him.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date | January 7, 2024 |
| Reading 1 | Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7 |
| Responsorial Psalm | Psalms 29:1-2, 3-4, 3, 9-10 |
| Gospel | Mark 1:7-11 |
| Reading 2 | Acts 10:34-38 |
| Gospel Reading | Matthew 2:1-12 |
| Theme | Wedding at Cana in Galilee |
| Saint of the Day | St. Raymond of Penafort |
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What You'll Learn
Gospel reading from the second chapter of Matthew
The Gospel reading from the second chapter of Matthew on January 7th, 2024, describes the events following Jesus's birth in Bethlehem of Judea. The chapter begins with the arrival of wise men from the east in Jerusalem, seeking the newborn king of the Jews. They are guided by a star that they believe will lead them to the king. Upon learning of this, King Herod is troubled and assembles the chief priests and scribes to inquire about the Christ's expected birthplace. They confirm that the Christ is to be born in Bethlehem, as written in the Scriptures.
Herod secretly calls the wise men and asks them about the timing of the star's appearance. He then directs them to Bethlehem, claiming that he intends to worship the newborn king as well. The wise men follow the star, which leads them directly to the house where Mary, Joseph, and Jesus are staying. Overjoyed, they worship the child and present him with valuable gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
The wise men are warned in a dream not to return to Herod, so they depart for their homeland by an alternate route. Joseph also receives divine guidance in a dream, instructing him to take Jesus and Mary to Egypt to escape Herod's plot to kill the child. They flee to Egyptian territory, awaiting a sign to return to Israel. Herod, unaware of their escape, carries out a massacre of innocent children to prevent the prophesied threat to his throne.
The Gospel reading from Matthew's second chapter emphasizes the significance of the wise men's journey, guided by a supernatural star, to find and worship the newborn Jesus. It highlights the joy and reverence of the wise men, who represent seekers of Jesus and embody wisdom in their pursuit. The reading also foreshadows the impending danger posed by Herod, who feels threatened by the newborn king. The events in Bethlehem and the subsequent escape to Egypt fulfill Old Testament prophecies, as Matthew demonstrates throughout his Gospel.
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The wise men seek Jesus
The Catholic reading on 7 January 2024 is about the wise men seeking Jesus. The Gospel reading comes from the second chapter of the Book of Matthew, verses 1-12. It tells the story of the wise men, or magi, from the east who arrive in Jerusalem, asking, "Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage." King Herod is troubled by this and asks the chief priests and scribes where the Christ is to be born. They tell him that the prophet has written that Bethlehem in Judea will be the birthplace of a ruler who will shepherd the people of Israel. Herod calls the magi to ascertain when the star appeared and then sends them to Bethlehem, asking them to find the child and report back so that he too can pay homage.
The wise men follow the star, which leads them to the place where the child is. They are overjoyed and, on entering the house, they see the child with Mary, his mother. They prostrate themselves and offer him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. They are warned in a dream not to return to Herod, so they depart for their country by another route.
This story is a reminder of the joy and clarity that comes from seeking Jesus, as the wise men did. It is a call to renew our efforts and energy in seeking Jesus and to strive to be the best versions of ourselves, as God intended.
The Catholic Church also recognises 7 January as the day to remember St. Raymond of Penafort, a priest who contributed significantly to the understanding of the Sacrament of Penance. He is known for his teachings on the principles that govern the human will and the steps that lead to eternal happiness.
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The birth of Jesus in Bethlehem
The story of Jesus' birth involves magi, or wise men, from the east who followed a star to Jerusalem, asking, "Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage." King Herod was troubled by this news and assembled the chief priests and scribes to inquire about the Christ's expected birthplace. They confirmed that Bethlehem was the prophesied birthplace, quoting:
> "And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; since from you shall come a ruler who is to shepherd my people Israel."
Herod then secretly met with the magi and found out the exact time of the star's appearance. He sent them to Bethlehem, instructing them to find the child and report back so that he could also pay homage. The star they had seen in the east guided them and stopped over the place where Jesus was. They were overjoyed and, upon entering the house, saw Jesus with his mother, Mary. They bowed down and offered him treasures of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
The magi were warned in a dream not to return to Herod, so they departed for their homeland by another route. This event is known as the Epiphany, commemorating the manifestation of Jesus to the Gentiles, represented by the magi.
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The Holy Family of Nazareth
The Holy Family is a model of life for the priests and brothers of the Congregation of the Missionaries of the Holy Family. They emphasize sincere love and devotion to Jesus, Mary, and Joseph in their pastoral ministry. The founder of the congregation, Fr. John Berthier, wrote about the importance of the cult of the Holy Family in strengthening faith and hope. The Cathedral of the Holy Family of Nazareth is the see of the Diocese of Tulsa in Oklahoma.
The Gospels speak little of the life of the Holy Family before Jesus' public ministry. However, the Gospels of Matthew and Luke narrate episodes from this period, including Jesus' circumcision, Presentation, the flight to Egypt, the return to Nazareth, and the Finding in the Temple. Joseph and Mary were observant Jews, as indicated by their participation in the annual pilgrimage to Jerusalem with other Jewish families.
The Congregation of the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth is a Catholic religious institute founded in Rome in 1875 by Mother Franciszka Siedliska. They are an apostolic, international congregation present on four continents and in thirteen countries. The Congregation has served in various areas, including schools, child care, elderly care, healthcare, and ministry work. They have also established a high school for girls, Nazareth Academy, in Philadelphia.
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St. Raymond of Penafort
On January 7, the Catholic reading is about the journey of the wise men and their pursuit of Jesus. It is a story of wisdom, joy, and the power of vocation. The Gospel reading is from the second chapter of Matthew, verses 1-12. It recounts how Herod was troubled by the news of the newborn king of the Jews and sought to deceive the wise men. The wise men, however, followed the star and found the child, offering him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
This day is also associated with St. Raymond of Penafort, a Catalan friar with the Dominicans who was a canon lawyer. Born around 1175 in a small town near Barcelona, he came from a noble family with ties to the royal house of Aragon. St. Raymond received a strong education, earning doctorates in both civil and canon law. He became a Dominican at the age of 41 and was called to Rome by Pope Gregory IX to serve as his confessor.
One of St. Raymond's significant contributions was the compilation of the "Decretals of Gregory IX," a collection of canonical laws that became a standard for almost 700 years. His work was highly regarded, and the pope proclaimed that Raymond's collection should be the sole authoritative text used in schools. St. Raymond also served as an advisor to King James I of Aragon and played a crucial role in the campaign to convert the Moors. He encouraged Thomas Aquinas to write "Against the Gentiles" and founded priories in Murcia and Tunis.
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Frequently asked questions
The Catholic reading on 7 January 2024 focused on the story of the wise men seeking Jesus, as written in the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 2, verses 1-12.
The theme of the reading was the joy and wisdom that comes from seeking Jesus and having clarity in our lives, just as the wise men did.
Yes, the reflection encouraged readers to pray for more clarity from God in their lives and to seek Jesus with wisdom. There was also a focus on the virtue of the day being wisdom.
Yes, 7 January is associated with St. Raymond of Penafort, a priest who contributed significantly to the understanding of the Sacrament of Penance.
