Christmas Weekday
Reading 1 1 John 2:29–3:6
If you consider that God is righteous,
you also know that everyone who acts in righteousness
is begotten by him.
See what love the Father has bestowed on us
that we may be called the children of God.
Yet so we are.
The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.
Beloved, we are God’s children now;
what we shall be has not yet been revealed.
We do know that when it is revealed we shall be like him,
for we shall see him as he is.
Everyone who has this hope based on him makes himself pure,
as he is pure.
Everyone who commits sin commits lawlessness,
for sin is lawlessness.
You know that he was revealed to take away sins,
and in him there is no sin.
No one who remains in him sins;
no one who sins has seen him or known him.
Responsorial Psalm Psalm 98:1, 3cd-4, 5-6
R. (3cd) All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.
Sing to the LORD a new song,
for he has done wondrous deeds;
His right hand has won victory for him,
his holy arm.
R. All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.
All the ends of the earth have seen
the salvation by our God.
Sing joyfully to the LORD, all you lands;
break into song; sing praise.
R. All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.
Sing praise to the LORD with the harp,
with the harp and melodious song.
With trumpets and the sound of the horn
sing joyfully before the King, the LORD.
R. All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.
Alleluia John 1:14a, 12a
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
The Word of God became flesh and dwelt among us.
To those who accepted him
he gave power to become the children of God.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Gospel John 1:29-34
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 testified further, saying,
"I saw the Spirit come down like a dove from the sky
and remain upon him.
I did not know him,
but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me,
'On whomever you see the Spirit come down and remain,
he is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.'
Now I have seen and testified that he is the Son of God."
- Readings for the Optional Memorial of the Most Holy Name of Jesus
Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States, second typical edition, Copyright © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine; Psalm refrain © 1968, 1981, 1997, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved. Neither this work nor any part of it may be reproduced, distributed, performed or displayed in any medium, including electronic or digital, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.
January 3, 2026 // Optional Memorial of the Most Holy Name of Jesus
Read the Word // Open your Bible to today’s Gospel: Luke 2:21-24
Reflect on the Word //
I sat across from a new doctor and described my symptoms.
“Jesus Christ,” he exhaled, shaking his head. My heart squeezed within me.
While I appreciated that he was taking my pain seriously, it took me a minute to regain my footing. It was jarring to hear someone take the Lord’s name in vain.
In the past fews years, I’ve adopted the pious practice of bowing my head at Mass when the name of Jesus is said. It’s a subtle, simple gesture that reminds me, both body and soul, of the reality that the name of Jesus is different from other words, other names, for His name alone is a prayer.
Today we celebrate the Optional Memorial of the Most Holy Name of Jesus. The name of our precious baby Messiah is pronounced in today’s Gospel when Mary and Joseph brought Him to the temple to be circumcised. There “the child was named Jesus, the name given him by the angel before he was conceived in the womb” (Luke 2:21).
The name of the Lord entrusted to Moses, a Hebrew name which means “I AM,” is too sacred for the Jews to even pronounce, for His presence and power are contained in His Name. The same is true when we speak the name of Jesus.
We have been given a name to call upon—a name full of power and presence. That name reveals identity and mission, for Jesus means “God Saves.” And that name belongs to a Baby, a Man, a Savior we can know personally and love intimately.
We’ve all had the experience of someone using our name (usually our full name) in frustration or anger. In such moments, our own names can feel like a curse. May we strive never to pronounce our precious Savior’s name in vain, but to only ever invoke Jesus with a heart full of love and confidence.
Relate to the Lord // Make the name of Jesus your prayer today. Pray Jesus in your heart or aloud throughout the day with love and gratitude.
Beth Davis is a lover of Jesus, a retired youth minister, the Director of Formation for Blessed is She. She is passionate about teaching women how to develop an intimate relationship with Jesus in prayer through writing, speaking, and mentorship. Her favorite things include being the favorite aunt to her five niece and nephews, making friends everywhere she goes, and whatever book she’s currently reading.
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