📖 MASS READINGS — 8 January 2026

 

Opening Prayer

Lord God,
grant us the grace to love you with our whole heart and to love our neighbour as ourselves.
May your Spirit guide us today in obedience to your commandments,
so that through faith in Christ we may overcome all that separates us from you.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.



📖 MASS READINGS — 8 January 2026

First Reading

1 John 4:19–5:4
“We love because he first loved us. … Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God.” Catholic Gallery

Responsorial Psalm

Psalm 72:1-2, 14-15, 17
R. Lord, every nation on earth will adore you. Catholic Gallery

Alleluia Verse

Luke 4:18
The Lord has sent me to bring glad tidings to the poor… Catholic Gallery

Gospel

Luke 4:14-22
Jesus, filled with the Spirit, returns to Galilee and proclaims Isaiah’s prophecy fulfilled in Him: bringing good news to the poor and freedom to captives. Catholic Gallery

📘 Brief Explanation

1. First Reading — Love as the mark of God’s children

St. John emphasizes that love of God and love of neighbour are inseparable. If we claim to love God but reject others, our claim is hollow—because God first loved us. Catholic Gallery

Catechism Insight (CCC):

“God is charity. … Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him.”
— CCC 2204

God’s love comes to us without merit; our response is to love others as Christ loved us.
This is the vine and branches truth: abiding in Christ lets our love bear fruit. Catholic Gallery

2. Gospel — Jesus proclaims His mission in Nazareth

Luke places this moment at the start of Jesus’ ministry. In Nazareth, Jesus reads Isaiah’s prophecy and declares it fulfilled in Him — a mission of liberation, healing, and good news. Catholic Gallery

This isn’t abstract: it’s Jesus’ active care for those on the margins — the poor, captives, oppressed.

Catechism Insight (CCC):

“The Gospel is the revelation in Jesus Christ of God’s mercy to sinners.”
— CCC 1849

🧠 Reflection & Application (For Catholics & Catechumens)

1) Love is a choice rooted in God

Ask yourself: Do I see love as commandment or convenience?
God first loved you — so now love others even when it costs something.

Application:
Today, when someone is difficult to love — pray for them. Ask God for true charity, not half-hearted kindness.

2) Recognize Jesus’ mission in your daily life

Jesus came to heal, free, and renew. Where are people around you in need of this mission — at work, at home, in community? Notice them, listen to them, act with compassion.

Application:
Offer one intentional act of kindness this day — especially to someone struggling spiritually or emotionally.

🙏 Closing Prayer

Lord Jesus,
you came bearing good news to the poor and freedom to the captives.
Help us to see Christ in all we meet, and to welcome your Spirit’s transforming love.
May we reflect your compassion to those around us,
and grow in faith that overcomes every worldly fear.
We ask this through your name.
Amen.

📚 CCC (Catechism) Connections to Ponder

  • God as Love: Love is not just action but participation in God’s nature. CCC 2204

  • Commandment of Love: The Christian life is measured by love of God and neighbour. CCC 1822

  • Mission of the Church: Jesus’ mission continues through us — to evangelize and heal. CCC 849

📱 Local Resource (Singapore)

For official daily Mass readings, reflections, Catholic prayers and announcements from the Archdiocese of Singapore, you can use:

👉 myCatholicSG / Catholic.sg app — available on Android & iOS; includes Daily Readings and reflections by Archbishop William Goh. Google Play

📎 Reference Links

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