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Daily Readings
Weekly reading

Readings for the week of January 4, 2026
- Readings for the week of January 4, 2026:
- Sunday: Is 60:1-6 / Ps 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-11, 12-13 / Eph 3:2-3a, 5-6 / Mt 2:1-12
- Monday: 1 Jn 3:22-4:6 / Ps 2:7bc-8, 10-12a / Mt 4:12-17, 23-25
- Tuesday: 1 Jn 4:7-10 / Ps 72:1-2, 3-4, 7-8 / Mk 6:34-44
- Wednesday: 1 Jn 4:11-18 / Ps 72:1-2, 10, 12-13 / Mk 6:45-52
- Thursday: 1 Jn 4:19-5:4 / Ps 72:1-2, 14 and 15bc, 17 / Lk 4:14-22a
- Friday: 1 Jn 5:5-13 / Ps 147:12-13, 14-15, 19-20 / Lk 5:12-16
- Saturday: 1 Jn 5:14-21 / Ps 149:1-2, 3-4, 5 and 6a and 9b / Jn 3:22-30
Pastor Message and Prayer
1/4
Don't be afraid to trust God
READ MATTHEW, CHAPTER 2, VERSES 1 TO 12
The Magi took a great risk in seeking the newborn King of the Jews. They entrusted their journey to the guidance of a star. It led them from the East to the vicinity of Jerusalem and then disappeared. The trail had run cold. In the space which the star's disappearance had created, the Magi did not panic. They consulted with others; they acted upon good advice; and they trusted. The Magi consulted with Herod and the chief priests. Even though Herod's intentions were not pure, his information was correct. The Magi acted upon it. They set out for Bethlehem and found the Christ Child. The Magi could not have completed their journey had they not trusted. They needed to believe that the same God, who had guided them through a star, would help them reach their destination.
"When they saw the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy."
Matthew 2:10
The Magi's trust is a model for us. Often in life we set out towards some good goal: a project of service, building a relationsip, searching for the right vocation. We believe that God is with us and guiding us. Yet in the process of that quest, needed direction can suddenly disappear. We can become lost, unsure of how to proceed. In that confusing space, we like th Magi, should consult with people we trust and act upon the advice they offer. Above all, we must believe that even though our direcvtion is unclear, God is still faithful. God does not begin to lead us and then forget us. We must be confident like St. Paul, believing that God who began the good in us will bring it to completion (Phillippians 1:6).
Did I have experiences in which I was lost and unsure how to proceed? What did I do?
Prayer Starter: Faithful God, you led the Magi through the guidance of a star. Help me believe that you are guiding me, when I can see the star and when I cannot.
Fr. Joachim
Do you know what Bethlehem means?
Beth (=house), Lehem (=bread). Hence Bethlehem means "House of Bread."
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