📖 Opening Prayer
O God, who made the Bishop Saint John Neumann an example of pastoral zeal and apostolic virtue, grant that, by imitating his virtues and following his teaching, we may come to share in the joy of eternal life. 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.
📑 Readings of the Day
1st Reading — 1 John 3:22–4:6
“And this is his commandment, that we may believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ and love one another as he commanded us.”
— This passage reminds us that true Christian life flows from believing in Christ and loving with His own love. Faith and charity are inseparable. Catholic Gallery
Responsorial Psalm — Psalm 2:7bc-8, 10-11
“I will give you all the nations for your inheritance.”
— The Psalm reflects Christ as the Son of God and King whose rule brings salvation and invites all nations to serve the Lord. Catholic Gallery
Alleluia — cf. Matthew 4:23
“Alleluia, alleluia! Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the Gospel of the kingdom.”
— A reminder of Christ’s mission of teaching and healing. Catholic Gallery
Gospel — Matthew 4:12-17, 23-25
“From that time Jesus began to preach and say, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.’”
— After John the Baptist’s arrest, Jesus begins His public ministry in Galilee, calling us to repentance and announcing the nearness of God’s kingdom — a Gospel of healing and transformation. Catholic Gallery
📘 Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) — Key Teaching
1. Faith and Christian Life
The Church teaches that faith in Christ is the source of our communion with God and with one another. This faith is expressed through love — the two great commandments: love of God and love of neighbor. The First Letter of John highlights this inseparable unity: faith that does not manifest in love is dead (cf. CCC 1812, 1822). Catholic Gallery
2. Christ’s Proclamation of the Kingdom
Jesus begins His public ministry by proclaiming the Kingdom of God. This invitation to conversion calls us to turn from sin and to live in the light of Christ’s truth. The Kingdom is not only future but present wherever Christ reigns in hearts transformed by grace (cf. CCC 541, 541a). Catholic Gallery
🙏 Closing Prayer
Almighty and merciful God, through the saving power of this Eucharist, may we be strengthened in faith and ardent in charity, that, following the example of Saint John Neumann, we may serve you with generous hearts and witness to the Gospel with joy. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
💡 Reflection & Application
For Catholics
Live your faith through love: Today’s readings tie belief in Christ directly to loving action (1 John). Ask: How am I showing Christ’s love in my daily life?
Respond to the call to repentance: Jesus’ ministry begins with an invitation to repentance. Consider areas in your life where you need conversion and ask the Holy Spirit for the grace to change.
For Catechumens
Belief + Love: Faith in Jesus is not simply intellectual — the Church calls you to live it out in kindness, service, and compassion.
Understanding Jesus’ mission: The Gospel teaches that Jesus came to call us out of darkness into His light. This call to repentance is an invitation to begin a deeper journey with God.
🔗 Sources & Further Reading
Daily Mass Readings 5 Jan 2026 (summary) — Catholic Gallery † Mass Readings – 5 January 2026†
Daily Reading 1 John 3; Gospel Matthew 4 — Catholic Daily Readings Online † Daily Reading for 5 January 2026†
(For Singapore-specific liturgy & prayers, you can check the daily “Mass Today” section of Catholic.sg or your parish’s bulletin — these often include local antiphons & proper prayers.) catholic.sg
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