MONTHLY DEVOTIONAL FOR 4 JANUARY
January 4, 2026
FEAST OF SAINT JOHN NEUMANN – 5th JANUARY
January 5, 2026
TODAY’S GOSPEL READING
4 JANUARY, 2026
Matthew 2:1-12
When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea,
in the days of King Herod,
behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying,
“Where is the newborn king of the Jews?
We saw his star at its rising
and have come to do him homage.”
When King Herod heard this,
he was greatly troubled,
and all Jerusalem with him.
Assembling all the chief priests and the scribes of the people,
he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born.
They said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea,
for thus it has been written through the prophet:
And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah,
are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
since from you shall come a ruler,
who is to shepherd my people Israel.”
Then Herod called the magi secretly
and ascertained from them the time of the star’s appearance.
He sent them to Bethlehem and said,
“Go and search diligently for the child.
When you have found him, bring me word,
that I too may go and do him homage.”
After their audience with the king they set out.
And behold, the star that they had seen at its rising preceded them,
until it came and stopped over the place where the child was.
They were overjoyed at seeing the star,
and on entering the house
they saw the child with Mary his mother.
They prostrated themselves and did him homage.
Then they opened their treasures
and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod,
they departed for their country by another way.
THE GOSPEL OF THE LORD!
REFLECTION
This Gospel reading tells us that Herod, at that time, was so upset, trying to know where the baby Jesus was and when he called for a secret meeting with the visitors from the east he thought he will be triumphant on his evil desire but due to God’s plan he wasn’t, for when the visitors reached Bethlehem through a star which was their guide, they too were instructed in a dream not to go back to Herod.
Truly Herod’s love for power had led him to such evil ideas that instead of receiving Jesus as his King, what he did was to pursue on his plan which was to kill the baby Messiah. However, God is in control of everything and as a result, Herod was not successful. On the other hand, despite of the cold welcome of some people that time for Mary who was about to give birth to Jesus which was the reason why Jesus was born in a manger rather than a beautiful bed, yet there were kind people who had their warmed welcome for our King. And it was stated in this Gospel that these three visitors brought gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh and presented it to the Lord.
Indeed we need to be reminded that as we celebrate the birth of Jesus and face the new year with hope and joy in our hearts, our main goal must be centered on God and that is to welcome Him with a more prepared heart and firm faith that was put into practice, and the moment we obey His will, we are leading our path to heaven.
PRAYER
Conquer my heart oh Lord and cast away the doubts that bothered me. Make me innocent from the things that keep on dragging me to perdition and help me to keep an ample time for prayer so no evil could overcome me. And just like those three visitors from the east who were led by a star, may you lead me to embrace the things you taught and obey your will so I will never be led astray. Amen
