2 January 2026 Mass Readings — Witnessing Christ in the New Year


Why this matters today

Today’s memorial of Saints Basil the Great and Gregory Nazianzen, both Bishops and Doctors of the Church, invites us to reflect on the foundations of our faith and the testimony we give to Christ in daily life. These readings call us to recognise who Jesus is and to remain steadfast in that conviction as we continue into a new year.

First Reading

1 John 2:22–28**
The author warns against denying that Jesus is the Christ. Anyone who denies the Son also denies the Father. Believers are encouraged to abide in what they were taught from the beginning, so that when Christ appears, they may have confidence and not turn away in shame.

Responsorial Psalm

Psalm 97(98):1–4**
All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.
Sing a new song to the Lord, for He has done wondrous deeds; His right hand and holy arm have brought salvation. Let all the earth acclaim the Lord with joy.

Alleluia

Hebrews 1:1–2**
Alleluia, alleluia!
In the past, God spoke through the prophets; now He speaks to us through His Son.
Alleluia!

Gospel

John 1:19–28**
The priests and Levites sent from Jerusalem ask John the Baptist who he is. John replies that he is not the Christ, Elijah, or the Prophet; rather, he is a voice crying in the wilderness to prepare the way of the Lord. He affirms that one greater than he, who existed before him, is coming. 

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Mass Readings — 1 January 2026

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Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God First Reading Numbers 6:22–27 — The Lord blesses his people and gives them peace. Responsorial Psalm Psalm 66(67):2–3, 5–6, 8 — A prayer for God’s mercy and blessing upon all nations. Second Reading Galatians 4:4–7 — Through Christ, we are adopted as sons and daughters, able to call God “Abba, Father”. Gospel Luke 2:16–21 — The shepherds find Mary, Joseph, and the child Jesus; Mary treasures these things in her heart, and Jesus is named. Reflection The year begins not with urgency, but with   blessing . In the Gospel, the shepherds hurry to see what God has done — and then they return to ordinary life, praising God along the way. Mary, meanwhile, does not rush. She holds, remembers, and reflects. The Psalm echoes this quiet confidence: God blesses his people so that his ways may be known on earth. Not through noise or force, but through lives that carry his peace. As a new year begins, we are reminded that blessing comes before effort, and ...
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