Gospel
Jerusalem Bible © 1966 by Darton, Longman & Todd Ltd and Doubleday & Company Inc.
Seeing Jesus coming towards him, John said, ‘Look, there is the lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world. This is the one I spoke of when I said: A man is coming after me who ranks before me because he existed before me. I did not know him myself, and yet it was to reveal him to Israel that I came baptising with water.’ John also declared, ‘I saw the Spirit coming down on him from heaven like a dove and resting on him. I did not know him myself, but he who sent me to baptise with water had said to me, “The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and rest is the one who is going to baptise with the Holy Spirit.” Yes, I have seen and I am the witness that he is the Chosen One of God.’
(John 1:29–34)
Did you know?
Points of interest and Catholic lore
- The title of ‘Lamb of God’ would have suggested the Passover feast to those listening to John. At that time, sacrificial lambs were slaughtered in the temple, recalling the blood of the lambs that was shed so that Israel could be spared death and freed from slavery in Egypt. Read the story of this deliverance in Exodus 12.
- Now that the Christmas cycle is completed, the Church enters what is known as ‘Ordinary Time’ for a period. (This will be interrupted for the Lent–Easter–Pentecost cycle.)
- Ordinary Time does not mean a time that is commonplace or unremarkable. The name derives from the word ordinal, which means ‘counted and sequential’.
Exploring the Word
This week, we depart from the normal cycle of readings from Matthew for this text in John. There is no explicit account of the baptism of Jesus in John. Rather, the emphasis is on John the Baptist as a witness to the real identity of Jesus: the Lamb of God and the Chosen One of God. Twice John the Baptist says, ‘I did not know him myself but it was to reveal him that I came.’ Such a statement would have had a significant effect on the evangelist’s community. This is the last of the gospels written, at around the end of the first century. It is unlikely that many followers of Jesus in this community would have known him personally, some seventy years earlier!
But John the Baptist, despite his not knowing Jesus in person, is in no doubt as to his identity. Filled with conviction, he knows that Jesus is the one in whom the hopes of Israel and all humankind will be fulfilled. ‘Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe’ (John 20:29).
- In what ways does this echo our own experience of not knowing Jesus as a physical reality but recognising him as the fulfillment of our longings?
- What things may hinder our recognition of Jesus?
- How could you point others to Jesus and give witness to who he is?
Making connections
Opportunities for group discussion and personal prayer
- How do you witness to the Chosen One of God?
- Twice John says that he did not know Jesus himself, but that Jesus was revealed to him by God. What was it that first revealed Jesus to you?
- What sin of the world is in need of redemption today?
- Have you ever been an eye witness to something significant, either in your family or in the wider community? Share stories of what you have seen? How did you bear witness to this event? What effect did it have on you?
- Like John, give witness to Christ this week. Share something of your search for faith with others.
- The title of ‘Lamb of God’ is used of Jesus during the liturgy in the Communion rite. Learn this prayer by heart and say it often, contemplating its meaning:
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world,
have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world,
have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world,
grant us peace.
Sharing the tradition
A closer look at the Scripture of the day, to see how it makes more explicit God’s word to us through the teachings of Jesus Christ
Down the centuries, there have been many people who, filled with conviction, have given brave witness to Christ. In the early church, this sometimes meant death. The martyrs of the Church are revered for their loyal faith and witness to the truth of Christ, and they hold a special place among the saints.
- You could tell the stories of some of the martyrs of the New Testament and the early church, or from later periods of church history, especially those listed in Eucharistic Prayer I.
- It needs to be pointed out that even in this modern day, people are still persecuted for their faith, and modern missionaries sometimes pay the ultimate price. Australian Sr Irene McCormack is an example of one who was killed because of her faith. You could tell her story. St Oscar Romero is another story you could tell.
- We may not expect to lose our lives for our faith, but there are times we may be persecuted or reviled for being believers. Discuss how this may manifest in our own society.
- In recent years, we have heard of instances where Christian minority groups are persecuted because of their faith. Discuss some examples of this. How should we best promote religious freedom today?
Symbols and images
Just as with Jesus, the Holy Spirit is conferred upon the faithful at baptism, and the Spirit’s presence is affirmed at the sacrament of confirmation. How do you perceive the Spirit with you already in your journey towards baptism or reception?
Living the Word
Practical ideas for group leaders to employ in connecting Scripture and daily life, with suggestions for music and environment
- How does your community give public witness to Christ, outside the Sunday liturgy?
- Use a lighted candle and an image of Jesus or an icon as a focus for prayer. A suitable song might be ‘Christ be our Light’ (GA 404). Pray for all those who give witness to their faith. Pray for those who are persecuted or have lost their lives for their faith. Pray for each other and the strength to be witnesses. Conclude with the prayer of exorcism in RCIA at §94D.
Presider
Just as Peter and Andrew ‘left their nets’ to follow Christ, we gather to pray for the needs of the Church.
Reader
We pray for Pope Francis and all those who, like the apostles, are called to share the ministry of Jesus. May the Spirit guide them in proclaiming the Good News of the kingdom.
Lord, hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for the leaders of our nation. May they strive to be good stewards of the resources entrusted to their care, and good neighbours to those in their region who are less fortunate.
Lord, hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for all those seeking meaning and purpose in their lives. May they find hope and strength in Jesus’ promise of life and life to the full.
Lord, hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for our faith community. May we, like the first apostles, willingly hear Jesus’ call to follow him and live our lives as Jesus taught.
Lord, hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for …
Lord hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for Pope Emeritus Benedict, who governed Christ’s Church with love and fidelity.
May Christ welcome him to the place prepared for him in the Father’s house.
Lord hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for the sick of our parish and for all who have asked for our prayers.
We pray for those who have died recently and for all whose anniversaries occur at this time. May they rest in everlasting peace.
Lord, hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.
Presider
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Entrance
- All are welcome—CWBII 535, G 850
- All the ends of the earth (Dufford)—AOV1 76, G 604, GA 420
- All you nations, sing out your joy—CWB 616, CWBII 347, GA 353
- Baptised in water—G 903, GA 179, CWBII 99
- Celebrate—AOV1 44
- Christ is the world’s light—CWB 643, CWBII 467
- Come down, O Love divine—AOV1 118, CWB 653, CWBII 381, G 556, GA 375
- Come to the water (Andersen)—AOV1 74, CWBII 473, GA 403
- Come to the water (Foley)—AOVNG 34, G 584, GA 403
- Send down the fire—AOV2 164, CWBII 389, GA 475, G 557
Responsorial psalm (see also music overview for Ordinary Time)
- Psalm 39 (40): Here I am, Lord (Boschetti)—CWB 352
- Psalm 39 (40): Here I am (Alonso)—G 48, DD (GIA)
- Psalm 39 (40): Here I am (Cooney)—G 49
- Psalm 39 (40): Here I am (Herry)—DD (Marist Music)
- Common Psalm 18 (19): Lord, you have the words (Thomas)—GA 21
- Common Psalm 18 (19): Lord, you have the words (Willcock)—PFS 38
- Common Psalm 102 (103): The Lord is kind and merciful (Haugen)—G 75, DD (GIA)
- Common Psalm 102 (103): The Lord is kind and merciful (Herry)—DD (Marist Music)
- Common Psalm 102 (103): The Lord is kind and merciful (Willcock)—GA 61, PFS 56
Gospel acclamation
John 1:14–12
Alleluia, Alleluia!
The Word of God became flesh and dwelt among us.
He enabled those who accepted him
to become the children of God.
Alleluia!
Procession of the gifts/offertory
- Behold, I make all things new—AOV2 85
- O breathe on me, O breath of God—CWB 758, CWBII 564, G 902, GA 432
- Open my eyes—AOV1 166, CWBII 582, G 651
- Servant Song—AOV2 169, CWBII 461, G 751, GA 487
Communion
- Come to the water (Andersen)—AOV1 74, CWBII 473, GA 403
- Come to the water (Foley)—AOVNG 34, G 584, GA 403
- Here I am, Lord—AOV1 90, CWBII 518, G 777, GA 496
- Prayer of St Francis—AOV2 126, CWB 793, CWBII 555, G 828, GA 490
- Take and eat (Joncas)—CWBII 608, G 950, GA 198
Thanksgiving hymn/song/canticle (optional, sung by all)
- Holy Spirit, come now (Manibusan)—AOVNG 68
- Let heaven rejoice—AOV1 124
- My peace—AOV2 96, CWBII 558, GA 518
- My witness you’ll be—AOVNG 98
- Send out your Spirit (Manibusan)—DD (OCP)
Sending forth
- Lift up your hearts—CWBII 539, GA 416
- Praise to you, O Christ, our Saviour—AOV1 28, CWBII 587, G 596, GA 407
- The voice of God—CWB 835, CWBII 621, GA 476
- Thus says the Lord of hosts—CWBII 629
In September 2019, Pope Francis instituted the celebration of Word of God Sunday in the apostolic letter Aperuit Illis. The letter encourages ‘the celebration, study and dissemination’ of the Word of God.
The Catholic Church in Australia celebrates Word of God Sunday on the first Sunday in February each year, which will be on 5 February in 2023—the Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A. (Many countries celebrate the occasion on the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time.)
The Australian Catholic Bishops Conference has developed a range of resources to help individuals, families, parishes, schools and other ministries commemorate Word of God Sunday. Among the ways Catholics and Catholic communities are being encouraged to mark the day are by organising a special display of Sacred Scripture or the Book of the Gospels, establishing Bible-study groups or adopting lectio divina, a common practice of reflection on Scripture.
The resources include:
You can also visit www.catholic.org.au/wordofgodsunday to access all these resources and for suggestions on how to better engage with Sacred Scripture in various ways and settings.
Presider
God’s love draws us and encourages us to become a people of prayer for a fuller life in the Spirit.
Reader
We pray for Pope Francis and all the bishops of the Church. May they continue to lead by the light that is the Good News of Christ’s Gospel.
Lord, hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for all who make our laws and administer justice. May those who work for the displaced and refugees of our world find guidance in the meaning of today’s feast, that God reaches out to all people.
Lord, hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for those who face new beginnings in the year ahead—students choosing courses of study, those seeking employment, couples preparing for marriage, widows and widowers now alone. May they be strengthened by the Spirit and guided by Christ’s message in the gospels.
Lord, hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for all of us who have been baptised into Christ’s Body, the Church. May we always be faithful to the teachings of Jesus.
Lord, hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for …
Lord hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for for Pope Emeritus Benedict, who united himself with the Lord’s Passion and Cross.
Through death, may he may come to share in the glory of the Lord’s Resurrection.
Lord, hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for the sick of our parish and for those who care for them.
We pray for the recently departed and for those whose anniversaries occur at this time. May they now share the eternal life promised to us through Jesus’ death and resurrection.
Lord, hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.
Presider
As your people, O God, you have called us to a stewardship of prayer. These prayers we entrust to you today, through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Entrance
- Angels we have heard on high—AOV2 140, CWB 622, CWBII 255, G 430, GA 286
- Emmanuel—AOVNG 40
- Epiphany Carol (O’Brien, BEACH SPRING)—G 462, DD (GIA)
- Hail to the Lord’s Anointed—CWBII 277
- O come, all ye faithful—AOV1 167, CWB 760, CWBII 267, G 439, GA 287
- Of the Father’s love begotten—CWB 779, CWBII 268, G 427
- Song for Epiphany—CWBII 278, GA 300
- The first Nowell—AOV1 169, CWB 822, CWBII 280, G 460, GA 298
- The God of all grace (Manolo)—DD (OCP)
Responsorial psalm (see also music overview for Christmas Time)
- Psalm 71 (72): Every nation on earth (Joncas)—G 60
- Psalm 71 (72): Lord, every nation on earth (Willcock)—CWB 196, PFS 10
Gospel acclamation
Matthew 2:2
Alleluia, Alleluia!
We have seen his star in the East;
and have come to adore the Lord.
Alleluia!
Procession of the gifts/offertory
- A child is born in Bethlehem—CWB 612
- Away in a manger—CWBII 256, GA 289
- Baby lying in a manger—CWBII 257
- Carol at the manger—CWBII 259, G 443
- Follow that wondrous star—DD (Sheetmusic Plus)
- He came down—GA 293
- Like a child rests—AOV1 85
- Behold, a rose e’er blooming—CWBII 258, G 451
- Born in the night—AOV2 101
- We three kings—CWBII 281, GA 299, G 463
- What child is this—AOV1 165, CWBII 275, G 466
Communion
- Bread of life (Stephan)—DD (OCP)
- Bread of life, hope of the world—AOV1 164, CWBII 459, GA 199
- Bread of life—AOVNG 15
- Carol at the manger—CWBII 259, G 443
- The God of all grace (Manolo)—DD (OCP)
Thanksgiving hymn/song/canticle (optional, sung by all) or sending forth
- All the earth proclaim the Lord—AOV1 184, CWB 611, CWBII 447, GA 534
- All the ends of the earth (Dufford)—AOV1 76, G 604, GA 420
- All the ends of the earth (Fisher)—AOVNG 5
- Angels we have heard on high—AOV2 140, CWB 622, CWBII 255, G 430, GA 286
- Emmanuel—AOVNG 40
- Epiphany Carol (O’Brien, BEACH SPRING)—G 462, DD (GIA)
- Good Christians all, rejoice—CWB 697, CWBII 261, G 440
- Love divine, all loves excelling—CWB 740, CWBII 552, G 641, GA 463
- Love has come (Maher)—DD (OCP)
- Of the Father’s love begotten—CWB 779, CWBII 268, G 427
- Sing a new song unto the Lord—AOV1 80, CWBII 598, GA 414
- Songs of thankfulness and praise—CWBII 279
Gospel
Jerusalem Bible © 1966 by Darton, Longman & Todd Ltd and Doubleday & Company Inc.
After Jesus had been born at Bethlehem in Judaea during the reign of King Herod, some wise men came to Jerusalem from the east. ‘Where is the infant king of the Jews?’ they asked. ‘We saw his star as it rose and have come to do him homage.’ When King Herod heard this he was perturbed, and so was the whole of Jerusalem. He called together all the chief priests and the scribes of the people, and enquired of them where the Christ was to be born. ‘At Bethlehem in Judaea,’ they told him ‘for this is what the prophet wrote:
And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
you are by no means least among the leaders of Judah,
for out of you will come a leader
who will shepherd my people Israel.’
Then Herod summoned the wise men to see him privately. He asked them the exact date on which the star had appeared, and sent them on to Bethlehem. ‘Go and find out all about the child,’ he said ‘and when you have found him, let me know, so that I too may go and do him homage.’ Having listened to what the king had to say, they set out. And there in front of them was the star they had seen rising; it went forward, and halted over the place where the child was. The sight of the star filled them with delight, and going into the house they saw the child with his mother Mary, and falling to their knees they did him homage. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts of gold and frankincense and myrrh. But they were warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, and returned to their own country by a different way.
(Matthew 2:1–12)
Did you know?
Points of interest and Catholic lore
- The word epiphany comes from a Greek word meaning ‘manifestation’ or ‘revelation’. In Matthew’s Gospel, this episode is the first public manifestation of Jesus.
- Herod the Great ruled only because Rome allowed it. He was not Jewish (his mother was not Jewish), but he had married into the royal family. He would have been very afraid of a possible rival to his claim to the throne.
- This text again mentions that Jesus was born at home in Joseph’s house in Bethlehem. The family only relocated to Nazareth after having fled to Egypt to escape the threat from Herod to the child’s safety.
- The ‘wise men’ were probably magi or astrologers from Persia and represent all those who seek God with a sincere heart.
- The gifts of the magi are of great value—gifts fit for a king!
Exploring the Word
The key to understanding this highly symbolic gospel lies in the response to Jesus of the various actors. The wise men are not of the house of Israel; they are foreigners from the East. And yet it is they who recognise the signs and embark on a journey to find the newborn king and worship him. The opposite response comes from the very people who should know better. Herod, the King of the Jews, and the chief priests and scribes, the interpreters of Scripture, have not seen what is there before them and, when they do come to understand, seek only to do harm to Jesus. This is the first hint of the harm that will ultimately come to him from similar characters much later in his life. They are not open to the revelation of God in this child.
Imagine the disappointment the wise men must have felt when they find a poor child born in a simple house instead of a mighty king. But they are open to the revelation of God and bow down before him. The expensive gifts of the wise men are highly symbolic: gold was presented to kings, frankincense was offered to God, and myrrh used in anointing for burial. Thus they refer to the kingship of Jesus, his divinity and his salvific death.
- In what ways do you recognise the divine in the ordinary?
- How long have you been on your journey, and how much progress have you made?
- What keeps leading you on?
- What new road have you taken, and where do you hope it leads you?
Making connections
Opportunities for group discussion and personal prayer
- What is leading your journey towards Jesus?
- What gifts do you bring to Jesus?
- ‘The sight of the star filled them with delight.’ Share your own stories of times of pure delight in your life.
- Spend time this week reflecting on the new road you have taken? How has it changed the way you act or think?
- Use today’s gospel acclamation as your prayer this week:
Alleluia, alleluia!
We have seen his star in the East;
and have come to adore the Lord.
Alleluia!
Sharing the tradition
A closer look at the Scripture of the day, to see how it makes more explicit God’s word to us through the teachings of Jesus Christ
The feast of the Epiphany came to be celebrated about the fourth century and has always been a very important feast, especially in the Eastern churches. For the early church, one of the biggest problems they faced was the realisation that even those who were not Jewish were invited to faith in Jesus as Lord. Even though his roots were in Judaism, Jesus is of significance to all people who seek the truth.
- You could give some background to Matthew’s predominantly Jewish community and their struggle with admitting Gentiles.
- You could read the passages in Acts that deal with this controversy and its resolution (Acts chapters 10–11, 15).
- You could discuss some groups of the present day who feel alienated or unwelcome within the Church. Some sensitivity may be needed.
Symbols and images
The wise men were warned in a dream not to return the same way. They did not backtrack but took a new road in life after their encounter with the Christ Child. The magi are Gentiles, not Jews. Matthew is alerting his community to the truth that the Gospel is for all people who acknowledge Jesus as Lord.
Living the Word
Practical ideas for group leaders to employ in connecting Scripture and daily life, with suggestions for music and environment
- What ministries of welcome are there in your parish? How might catechumens become involved?
- It may be appropriate to pray today at the crib. You could process there singing ‘O come, all ye faithful’ (GA 287). Pray that all people may be open to the revelation of God in the world and in their lives. Pray for each other. Conclude with the blessing in the RCIA at §97G.
First reading
Isaiah 60:1–6
Above you the glory of the Lord appears.
Responsorial psalm
Psalm 71(72):1–2, 7–8, 10–13
R. Lord, every nation on earth will adore you.
Second reading
Ephesians 3:2–3, 5–6
It has now been revealed that pagans share the same inheritance.
Gospel acclamation
Matthew 2:2
We have seen his star in the East; and have come to adore the Lord.
Gospel
Matthew 2:1–12
The visit of the Magi
Images from the Word
- Magi from the east
- Go and search diligently
- Stopped over the place
- Your light has come
- Members of the same body
Liturgical notes
On Epiphany, the Old Testament reading and the Gospel continue the Roman tradition; the text for the reading from the apostolic letters is about the calling of all peoples to salvation. On the feast of the Baptism of the Lord, the texts chosen are about this mystery.
—Lectionary for Mass: Introduction, §95
Again the Church has its plans when choosing the Lectionary for these days. The days of Christmas and Epiphany remind us of the universal call to holiness that our God makes to all nations. While God may call us into his beloved Body of Christ, the Church, God invites us to reach out to all peoples with the Good News of salvation. This call will only be complete when Christ is ‘all in all’ in every aspect of our lives.
‘Behold, the Lord, the Mighty One, has come; and kingship is in his grasp, and power and dominion.’
—entrance antiphon
Presider
As Mary pondered in her heart the wonderful gifts of God, we bring the prayers we hold in our hearts, confident we shall be heard.
Reader
We pray for Pope Francis and all the bishops and priests of our Church. May they continue to follow the example of Mary, responding to God’s call with humility and whole-hearted devotion.
Lord, hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for those forced to separate from their families because of war, persecution or economic conditions. May their hope of being united with their loved ones become a reality.
Lord, hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for all mothers. May they be given strength, wisdom and courage to face the challenges that family life can bring, and may they also experience its deepest joys.
Lord, hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.
As we embark on a new year, we pray for our parish. May we hear and respond to the word of God, finding strength and unity in the Eucharist we share.
Lord, hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for …
Lord hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for all who have gone before us in death over the past year, especially family members and those who have died recently, and for those whose anniversaries occur at this time. May they be welcomed by God to the peace of their heavenly home.
Lord, hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.
Presider
Father, may we, like Mary, open our hearts to your transforming love, gratefully pondering in our hearts all that you have done. We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Entrance
- All the earth proclaim the Lord—AOV1 184, CWB 611, CWBII 447, GA 534
- All the ends of the earth (Dufford)—AOV1 76, G 604, GA 420
- All the ends of the earth (Fisher)—AOVNG 5
- Angels we have heard on high—AOV2 140, CWB 622, CWBII 255, G 430, GA 286
- Emmanuel—AOVNG 40
- Of the Father’s love begotten—CWB 779, CWBII 268, G 427
Responsorial psalm (see also music overview for Christmas Time)
- Psalm 127 (128): Blest are those who love you (Haugen)—G 86
- Psalm 127 (128): Happy are those who fear the Lord (Gelineau)—CWB 192a
- Psalm 127 (128): Happy are those who fear the Lord (Herry)—DD (Marist Music)
- Psalm 127 (128): O blessed are those who fear the Lord (Inwood)—GA
- Seasonal Psalm 97 (98): All the ends of the earth (Roff)—CWB 185
- Seasonal Psalm 97 (98): All the ends of the earth (Willcock)—PFS 6
Gospel acclamation
Colossians 3:15a,16a
Alleluia, Alleluia!
May the peace of Christ rule in our hearts,
and the fullness of his message live within you.
Alleluia!
Procession of the gifts/offertory
- Away in a manger—CWBII 256, GA 289
- Christians, let us love one another—CWB 648, CWBII 469, GA 206
- O little town of Bethlehem—CWB 772, CWBII 266, G 446, GA 296
- Once in royal David’s city—CWB 782, CWBII 269, G 455, GA 297
Communion
- Psalm 26 (27): Do not be afraid (Willcock)—CWBII 481 (refrain 1), GA 28 (refrain I), PFS 40
- In perfect charity—AOV1 142
- My peace—AOV2 96, CWBII 558, GA 518
- On eagle’s wings—AOV1 153, CWBII 654, G 691, GA 452
- Ubi caritas (Taizé)—CWBII 633, 634, GA 324
- Where there is charity and love—CWB 863, CWBII 638, GA 323
Thanksgiving hymn/song/canticle (optional, sung by all)
- Lead me, Lord (Becker)—DD (OCP)
- Let heaven rejoice—AOV1 124
- Lord, to whom shall we go? (Herry)—AOV1 6, CWBII 549, GA 189, DD (Marist Music, free)
Sending forth
- Glory and praise to our God—AOV1 16, CWBII 491, GA 417, G 606
- God is love—CWBII 499
- In faith and hope and love—CWB 722, CWBII 520, GA 442
- Joy to the world—AOV1 170, CWB 728, CWBII 265, G 437, GA 295
We will walk with God—G 737, DD (GIA)
[LD1]To be replaced with Mary, Mother of God on 1 January – get Fiona to supply
