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First Reading - 1 Kings 3:4–15

Psalm - Psalm 119:97–104

Second Reading - Ephesians 1:3–14

Gospel - Luke 2:40–52

Most twelve-year-olds, if left to themselves, would soon enough find themselves in some sort of mischief. Yet, Jesus was left to himself for two days and when found by his parents, he was in the temple, learning from the teachers. Although the rabbis were amazed at his intelligence and ability to comprehend, he continued to increase in wisdom. Nonetheless, even at this young age, he was already able to have thoughtful dialogue with the best teachers in Jerusalem.  

First Reading - Isaiah 42:1–9

Psalm - Psalm 29:1–11

Second Reading - Romans 6:1–11

Gospel - Matthew 3:13–17

The illustration of Jesus standing among sinners is perfect. One would expect him to be the one calling sinners to repentance. Instead, he stands with us. Moreover, he fulfills all righteousness as he shows us how to respond to the call. Indeed, he responds for us because he has become one with us! The “righteous servant ... justif[ies] many” (Isa. 53:11). In order to justify the many with his Father, Jesus begins his ministry by becoming one of them. The only Holy One of God becomes one with us poor sinners, taking upon himself our sin and going down into the river to fulfill all righteousness — even our righteousness.

First Reading - Isaiah 49:1–7

Psalm - Psalm 40:1–11

Second Reading - 1 Corinthians 1:1–9

Gospel - John 1:29–42a

Here is a faithless man of faith (vv. 40-42)! Peter was faithless in his actions on more than a few occasions, yet he kept the faith. He kept the Name — he did not continue denying the Name that saves. Peter knew (and so do we) that we are saved by keeping the Name of the One who sustains us in such faith even when our actions are faithless. It is no mere irony that the first disciple Jesus called (Matt. 4:18-19) was one like us.

First Reading - Isaiah 9:1–4

Psalm - Psalm 27:1–9 (10–14)

Second Reading - 1 Corinthians 1:10–18

Gospel - Matthew 4:12–25

The baptizer has been arrested and sits in a dark cell, awaiting Herod’s order. Undoubtedly, he knows his end is near. It is within this dark context that the evangelist proclaims that “a light has dawned.” It does not matter how desperate are the times we live in, for Jesus is still the dawning light of a new day. The call remains the same: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” In such dark times, disciples are called to follow Jesus.