Commentary Intro to Mass Readings for Sunday
CommentaryIntro to Mass Readings for Sunday
January 4, 2026
January 4, 2026
Epiphany (ABC)
The first reading captures a moment of restoration and radiant hope for Jerusalem following the Babylonian exile. The prophet Isaiah calls upon the city to “rise up in splendor,” for while darkness covers the earth, the glory of the Lord shines uniquely upon the faithful. This divine light acts as a beacon, drawing nations and kings from afar. The passage highlights a universal gathering where people bring the riches of the sea and the wealth of nations—symbolized by caravans from Midian and Sheba—to offer gold and frankincense while proclaiming the praises of the Lord.

Larry Broding
WORD-SUNDAY.COM
The Rising Light
by Larry Broding
This passage challenges us to see what the Lord is doing. To look beyond the tedium and the mundane. To see his glory shine. And to lead us.
These optimistic verses have messianic overtones, for they speak of an idyllic time in the future. Many Jews in the time of Jesus had these images in mind when they spoke of God’s judgment. Yet, Matthew used these verses when he penned the arrival of the Magi. For the evangelist and Christians ever since, the Magi saw the glory of the Lord rise in Judea. But, the people and their leaders were blinded.



In his letter to the Ephesians, St. Paul explains the “stewardship of God’s grace” entrusted to him. He reveals a profound mystery formerly hidden: that through the Gospel, the Gentiles are now co-heirs and members of the same body as the Jewish people. Paul emphasizes that salvation is no longer restricted to the descendants of Abraham but is God’s gift to all humanity. This revelation, shared with the apostles and prophets through the Spirit, calls all Christians to be “prophets” themselves—sharing the message that Christ’s promise is a universal inheritance intended for every nation.

Larry Broding
WORD-SUNDAY.COM
Evangelization as a Vehicle for Grace
by Larry Broding
How have your words and actions presented Christ to others this week? Explain.
We evangelize others through our words and example. But have you ever considered evangelization as a vehicle for God’s grace? After all, like St. Paul, our words and actions present the face of Christ to others. They reveal God’s activity in the world. And they invite others to join us in the Christian life.



Matthew’s Gospel recounts the journey of the Magi, Persian astrologers who follow a rising star to find the “newborn king of the Jews.” Their arrival in Jerusalem troubles King Herod, who views the child as a political threat. Guided by prophecy and the star, the Magi eventually find Jesus in a house with Mary. Unlike their interaction with Herod, they prostrate themselves in true homage, offering symbolic gifts: gold for a king, frankincense for God, and myrrh for his future suffering. Warned in a dream of Herod’s malice, they depart by another way, protecting the Prince of Peace.

Larry Broding
WORD-SUNDAY.COM
Seek the Lord
by Larry Broding
Have you ever felt called to find an answer or go on a quest? What happened?
Youth is the time of new adventures and new experiences. Many youth simply jump from experience to experience without direction. Others spend their youth seeking, trying to find the answer to Life and Truth. Some just look for the next convenience. Others seek something worth their commitment.
To end the Christmas season, we turn to Matthew’s story of the Magi, the wise men who rose above the mundane day-to-day experience to seek someone. The “light to the nations,” the newborn King of the Jews.




Infographics were created using Nano Banana Pro with Gemini 3.0. They draw inspiration from the commentary above from Agape Bible Study, but are not officially associated with or endorsed by Michal Elizabeth Hunt. They may be copied for personal use or for use in any non-profit ministry. All works on the Agape Bible Study were licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License.

Fr. Corrigan, OFM
friarmusings.com



DOWNLOAD TRANSCRIPT (PDF) | LATEST HOMILIES
TWTW infographics below were created using core concepts in the video above.








Non-profits are welcome to utilize the provided graphics in their materials and presentations. Please acknowledge Fr. Geoffrey Plant, and his website, sundayhomilies.au. The graphics were designed by TheWordThisWeek.net using Gemini Pro 3 and Nano Banana. Proper attribution is appreciated.
DOWNLOAD COMMENTARY (PDF)
Gospel Commentary
TWTW infographics below were created using core concepts in the video above.





TWTW infographics on this page present Fr. Kieran’s “GOSPEL COMMENTARY” and “POINTER FOR PRAYER” which are presented after each reading’s commentary. Please cross-reference the slides with the PDF if you notice any errors. Non-profits are welcome to utilize the provided graphics in their materials and presentations. Please acknowledge Fr. Kieran O’Mahony, OSA, and his website, taurus.ie. The graphics were designed by TheWordThisWeek.net using Gemini Pro 3 and Nano Banana. Proper attribution is appreciated.





KEITH NESTER – Unpacking the Mass
TWTW infographics below were created using core concepts in the video above.





Non-profits are welcome to utilize the provided graphics in their materials and presentations. Please acknowledge Keith Nester. The graphics were designed by TheWordThisWeek.net using Gemini Pro 3 and Nano Banana. Proper attribution is appreciated.













