Understanding the Day
Season
Epiphany
Week
Week 1 of Epiphany
Rank
Sunday or semidouble observance
Introit (Daily Prayer)
Behold, the Lord and Ruler is come; and the kingdom is in His hand, and power, and dominion.
Ps 71:1
℣. O God, with Your judgment endow the King, and with Your justice, the King’s Son.
Glory Be to the Father…
Through the same Christ our Lord…
Weekly Prayer
Act of Hope
Weekly Formation
Counsel, Command, and Consent
Ways of Being Accessory to Another’s Sin
By counsel
A person becomes accessory by counsel when advice, planning, or persuasion helps another choose a sinful act. Responsibility depends on knowing the act is wrong and on the real influence the counsel has in bringing it about.
By command
A person becomes accessory by command when authority is used to order another person to do wrong. The superior bears responsibility for directing the act, while the subordinate remains bound not to obey a command contrary to God’s law.
By consent
A person becomes accessory by consent when approval is knowingly given to another’s sinful plan or action, especially when that approval is needed for it to proceed. Consent can be expressed in words, decisions, votes, or any deliberate authorization.
The Spiritual Works of Mercy
Counsel the doubtful
Counseling the doubtful helps a person whose judgment is uncertain to recognize a sound and morally lawful course. Good counsel applies truth prudently to the actual difficulty and does not replace conscience with another person’s preferences.
Saint & Feast
Day 3 within the Octave of the Epiphany
A biography or feast reflection has not yet been prepared.
Today in Church History
Papal Bull Romanus Pontifex and Portuguese Expansion
1454EventThe papal bull Romanus Pontifex, issued in 1454, granted Portugal exclusive rights to trade and colonize Africa south of Cape Bojador. This event marked a significant moment in the Church's involvement in global exploration and the spread of Christianity, as it facilitated the missionary efforts alongside colonial expansion.
The Church's role in exploration reminds us of the call to evangelize and share the Gospel with all nations.
Death of Galileo Galilei
1642EventGalileo Galilei, who faced the Inquisition for his support of heliocentrism, died on January 8, 1642. His conflict with the Church remains a significant event in the history of science and religion.
Galileo's story encourages dialogue between faith and reason, reminding us of the Church's journey towards understanding truth.
Election of Pope Innocent III
1198PapalOn January 8, 1198, Cardinal Lotario de' Conti di Segni was elected as Pope Innocent III. His papacy marked a significant period in the Church's history, characterized by the strengthening of papal authority and the launching of the Fourth Crusade.