8 January 2026 — Daily Mass Readings
Thursday after Epiphany
First Reading
1 John 4:19–5:4
Beloved, we love God because he first loved us. If we claim to love God yet do not love our brothers and sisters, our words ring hollow. God’s love became visible in the sending of his Son, and when we love one another, we share in God’s life.
Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 72:1–2, 14-15bc, 17
Lord, every nation on earth will adore you.
This psalm invokes a just and compassionate reign, where rulers care for the afflicted and the poor, and all nations find blessing in the Lord.
Gospel
Luke 4:14-22
Filled with the power of the Spirit, Jesus returns to Galilee and is praised for his teaching. In Nazareth he reads from Isaiah: the Spirit anoints him to bring good news to the poor, proclaim liberty to captives, recovery of sight to the blind, and freedom for the oppressed.
Reflection
Today’s readings draw us into the heart of Christian love and mission.
The First Letter of John reminds us that love is not abstract but a lived reality aligned with God’s own love for us. Love is shown in obedience to Christ’s commandments, not in perfect performance but in sincere, sacrificial relationships.
In the Gospel, Jesus begins his public ministry by proclaiming good news. He does not start with condemnation or distance. He begins with the Spirit’s power to liberate and heal. Love heals what fear fractures.
In our own daily lives, this invitation remains: to love generously, to see with compassion, and to step toward those in need. When we choose love — especially where it is hard — we participate in Christ’s mission and experience freedom rooted in relationship with him.
A moment of pause
How might you choose to bring good news or freedom into someone’s life today?
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