Saturday Before Epiphany
Born of God
Other Celebrations for this Day:
Liturgical Cycle: A | Lectionary Cycle: II
Introduction
The message of today speaks in two different senses of being God’s sons and daughters. There is first Christ, the Son of God in a deeper way than one said to be beloved by God. John recognizes him as God’s own Son, with a human and divine personality. He is sent among people by the Father as the One who will save us by his sufferings, as the Lamb, as the suffering servant.
On account of him we are born of God, we are God’s sons and daughters, as John will say in his letter. However banal our existence may look, there is this astonishing truth: we are God’s children. This is not merely a beautiful word; it’s a deep reality. This dignity gives us the responsibility to grow, to give up sin, to mature to the full personhood of Christ, for that is what children are supposed to do.
Opening Prayer
Lord God, Father of Jesus Christ,
in your only Son you have made us
your sons and daughters,
who are born of you and live your life.
Help us to seek your will always
and to grow in your love,
towards that freedom and maturity
to which you have called us
in Jesus Christ, your Son and our Lord,
who lives with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
Responsorial Psalm
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 Verse
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.
Prayers of the Faithful
– That more and more people all over the world may know that they are children of God, of a God who loves them tenderly as a father and a mother, we pray:
– That however different we are in very many ways, we may come to accept, appreciate and love one another as brothers and sisters, we pray:
– That God may recreate us anew every day in the image of his Son and let us grow up more and more in the likeness of Jesus, we pray:
Prayer over the Gifts
Lord God, our Father,
these gifts of bread and wine,
coming from your hands,
are also the fruit of our toil.
We bring them before you
as the signs of our goodwill
to continue the struggle
against the forces of evil
in us and around us.
In the storms and trials of life
help us to overcome sin,
that you may reveal to us the glory,
which you have prepared for us
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Prayer after Communion
Lord God, our Father,
you have visited your sons and daughters
through our brother Jesus Christ.
Help us to live together
as a community of friendship, sharing and peace,
that we may bear witness
that you are our God and we your people,
through our brother and Lord Jesus Christ.
Blessing
Children of God, that is indeed what we are. May the thought of this reality fill us with a sense of admiration, gratitude and security. May Almighty God bless you all, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
REFLECTIONS
1 John 2:29—3:6
To break with sign
Saint Paul could claim credit for promoting devotion to the Holy Name of Jesus because he wrote in his letter to the Philippians that God the Father gave Christ Jesus "that name that is above every name" (Phil. 2:9). This devotion became popular because of 12th-century Cistercian monks and nuns and particularly through the preaching of Saint Bernardine of Siena, a 15th-century Franciscan. He used this devotion to overcome bitter and often bloody class struggles and family rivalries in Italian city-states.
Today's first reading moves on to the second part of John's letter: 'To live as God's children'. John, the Evangelist, sets three 'conditions' to become true children of God. The first condition, part of which we read today, is 'to break with sin'.
St. John reminds us that we are already children of God and what is in store for us when we see the Father face to face is that "we shall be like him because we shall see him as he really is". When we share the truth and love of Christ, which are poured into our hearts through our words, actions and life, we become God's children in a very special sense, true reflections of our Father.
The world ridicules those who believe in God because it has not been able to see the presence of God in Jesus and his life. The greatest sign of God's love for humankind is the gift of Jesus his Son (Jn 3:16), who made us true children of God. Being God's child is a source of so much happiness and consolation now, and there will be so much more in the future!
The 'first condition' to have that face-to-face experience with Jesus, John reminds us to have a total break from everything contrary to God's way. To enjoy that vision – the only goal of all living – is to remain single-minded and pure in our desire and passion.
It is impossible to be both close to Jesus and live a life of sin. "The one who sins has not seen him or known him." The secret of being free from sin is to submit totally to the Way of Jesus, who takes away all sin in those who turn to him in a spirit of reconciliation. "The one who remains in him does not sin." Love and sin are incompatible. Let us then pray that we may remain ever close, intimately close, to Jesus.
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John 1: 29-34
Witnesses of the Lamb: Mission in Our Lives
John the Baptist introduces Jesus as the “Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.” This title reveals Jesus’ dual identity as Lord and Servant. As Catholics grappling with the distractions and challenges of modern life, we are invited to rediscover Jesus and embrace his mission as our own.
Jesus, the Son of God, humbles himself to stand among sinners. He embodies perfect love through his self-sacrifice, liberating us from sin and calling us to new life. The image of the Lamb recalls the Passover, where the blood of a lamb delivered the Israelites from death and slavery. In Jesus, this symbolism is fulfilled—his blood becomes the source of salvation for all humanity. Amid our struggles, this truth reminds us that Jesus walks with us, not as a distant God but as our Saviour, Brother, and Friend.
Jesus came to bring light and salvation to a world overshadowed by sin and despair. His mission was not limited to his time; it continues today through his disciples, through us. To follow Jesus is to share his light in our homes, workplaces, and communities. The challenges we face—indifference, division, or a culture resistant to faith—are opportunities to bear witness to his love.
Discipleship calls us to deepen our relationship with Jesus, while apostleship challenges us to share his message. By living lives of humility, service, and love, we can inspire others to encounter Christ. Let us pray for courage and grace to fulfil this mission, building God’s Kingdom in a world yearning for hope and truth.