Catholic Mass readings for Saturday, 03 January 2026

 

📖 Mass Readings — 03 January 2026

Liturgical Color: White (joy, Christ’s light)
Season: Christmas (weekdays of Christmas)
Lectionary: Weekday readings (ordinary time context) universalis.com



🔹 Opening Prayer 

Let us pray:
O God, who in the Word made flesh reveal your glory to the nations, grant that the light of faith shining in our hearts may draw all peoples to the radiance of your truth. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
Amen.

📘 First Reading

1 John 2:29–3:6

If you know that he is righteous, then everyone who practices righteousness has been born of him.
See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God; and that is what we are.
… Whoever abides in him does not sin, and whoever sins has neither seen him nor known him. universalis.com

Explanation:
This passage reminds us that being a child of God isn’t just status — it’s a transformation. A life rooted in Christ bears righteousness through love. Sin separates us from this life of grace. universalis.com

Application:
Ask yourself: Where in my life does God’s righteousness need to grow? Reflect on how love — expressed in everyday decisions — shows that you belong to Christ.

🎵 Responsorial Psalm

Psalm 97(98):1,3-6

R. All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.
Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done wondrous things.
… With trumpets and the sound of the horn, shout joyfully before the King, the Lord! universalis.com

Explanation:
The Psalm invites all creation to celebrate God’s salvation. It reflects the joy of Christmas extended into the week after—our response to God’s gift in Christ.

Application:
Let praise shape your mood today. Offer God a new song — a thankful heart — even amidst ordinary routines.

✨ Alleluia Verse

John 1:14,12

Alleluia, alleluia.
The Word became flesh and dwelt among us; to those who accepted him, he gave power to become children of God.
Alleluia. universalis.com

Explanation:
This verse points back to Christmas: God entered human history, and through faith we participate in God’s family.

Application:
Before the Gospel, prepare your heart to welcome Christ again today — just as those early disciples did.

📖 Gospel

John 1:29-34

The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and cried out:
Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.
… And John testified, “I saw the Spirit descend from heaven like a dove, and it remained on him.” Catholic Gallery

Explanation:
John the Baptist identifies Jesus as the Lamb of God — echoing the Passover lamb that frees God’s people. Jesus’ mission is to take away sin and give life. Catholic Gallery

Application:
Jesus continues to meet you here and now — in the Eucharist, Word, and others. Seek Him as the one who “takes away sin,” and invite the Holy Spirit deeper into your life.

🙏 Closing Prayer

May this heavenly Sacrament, O Lord, cleanse us from our sins and transform us into your beloved children, so that, following the example of John the Baptist, we may proclaim your glory to all the world. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

💡 Catechism Connection (CCC)

The readings highlight the transforming love of God — a central Catholic belief:

  • God calls us His children, sharing in divine life through grace.

  • Baptism makes us heirs of this life, but living it means turning from sin and growing in holiness.
    The Catechism teaches that true righteousness flows from union with Christ and manifests in love of God and neighbor. (See CCC 1391–1419 on sin & grace.)

📌 Useful Source Links

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