Catholic Mass Readings and Reflection January 09, 2026

09th January 2026 (Friday)

Psalter: Week 2

Readings of the Day

First Reading: 1 John 5:5-13

Beloved: Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? This is he who came by water and blood—Jesus Christ; not by the water only but by the water and the blood. And the Spirit is the one who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth. For there are three that testify: the Spirit and the water and the blood; and these three agree. If we receive the testimony of men, the testimony of God is greater, for this is the testimony of God that he has borne concerning his Son. Whoever believes in the Son of God has the testimony in himself. Whoever does not believe God has made him a liar, because he has not believed in the testimony that God has borne concerning his Son. And this is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life. I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life.

Psalm 147:12-13, 14-15, 19-20 R. (12a)

R/. O Jerusalem, glorify the Lord! or Alleluia

Gospel Acclamation

V/. Alleluia

R/. Alleluia

V/. Jesus was proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction among the people

R/. Alleluia

Gospel: Luke 5:12-16

While he was in one of the cities, there came a man full of leprosy. And when he saw Jesus, he fell on his face and begged him, “Lord, if you will, you can make me clean.” And Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him, saying, “I will; be clean.” And immediately the leprosy left him. And he charged him to tell no one, but “go and show yourself to the priest, and make an offering for your cleansing, as Moses commanded, for a proof to them.” But now even more the report about him went abroad, and great crowds gathered to hear him and to be healed of their infirmities. But he would withdraw to desolate places and pray.

Daily Gospel Reflection

Friday – After Epiphany

Main Point: One who believes in God, will overcome the world, bear testimony to God and will obtain eternal life

1. Being sick is understandable. This can happen in anyone’s life. But what is deplorable is that one has no desire to come out of it. God’s grace is always abundant and available to heal us. But its effect is concrete only when there is a proper disposition, reception and cooperation from the human side.

2. Jesus heals a leper in the gospel. Appreciable is the leper’s humility. This humility realizes his sick situation. It realizes his need for healing. It nurtures a deep desire for healing. This confides in Jesus’ power to heal, and also respects Jesus’ freedom and kindness to heal.

3. Thus the leper readily gets healed and happily gets reintegrated into his family and society. There is no wonder that Jesus appreciates such a humble and transparent disposition, willingly heals the leper and restores him his lost dignity. The leper stands as an example and inspiration for all of us.

4. How sad it is that many are leprous psychologically, morally and spiritually! Many are infected and have not diagnosed it. They have neither the interest nor the effort to get rid of it. Consequently, they do not approach the Lord for his healing touch.

My Practice: In life, as humans we are, at times, we may suffer from the sickness of sin and evil. But what is more important is that in humility and faith, we get healed by the Lord and live a renewed life.