Saturday after Epiphany Sunday
First Reading
1 John 5:14–21
Beloved, we have this confidence in him: if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have obtained the requests made of him. We know that anyone begotten by God does not sin, and we know that we belong to God. We know also that the Son of God has come and given us understanding to know the one who is true — and we are in him who is true, in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life.
Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 149:1–2, 3–4, 5–6a and 9b
The Lord takes delight in his people.
Sing to the Lord a new song; let his praise be in the assembly of the faithful. For the Lord is pleased with his people and exalts the humble.
Gospel
John 3:22–30
After these things Jesus and his disciples went into the land of Judea, and he remained there with them and baptized. John was baptising at Aenon because there was plenty of water, and people came to be baptised. A discussion arose between some of John’s disciples and a Jew about purification, and they went to John to say that Jesus was baptising and all were going to him. John replied, “No one can receive anything except what is given him from heaven. He who has the bridegroom is the bridegroom’s friend. Therefore this joy of mine is complete. He must increase; I must decrease.”
Reflection
Today’s readings call us to deep prayerful trust. The First Letter of John reassures us that when our prayers align with God’s will, we can be confident that he hears us and invites us into life that no hardship can take away. This life is found only in Christ, the one who reveals the true God.
Jesus is the centre — not our own ideas, victories, or struggles. In the Gospel, John the Baptist joyfully points beyond himself to Christ, acknowledging that his role is not to hold attention but to bear witness to the One who alone brings lasting life.
In a world of noise, distractions, and competing demands, we are invited to fix our eyes on Christ, to let him increase in us, and to let ourselves decrease. In that posture, we find peace, purpose, and the confidence to pray boldly.
A moment of pause
Where might God be inviting you today to trust him more fully and surrender what you hold so tightly?
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