Catholic Family Devotions

Understanding the Day

Season

Epiphany

Week

Week 1 of Epiphany

Rank

Sunday or semidouble observance

The Octave of the Epiphany is the eight-day celebration that extends the Church’s remembrance of Christ’s revelation to the nations, begun on the Feast of the Epiphany. The rank “Semidouble” is an older liturgical classification indicating a celebration of moderate importance: its prayers and readings are observed with respect, but it is not as solemn as a major feast. As a day within the octave, the liturgy still reflects the Epiphany’s character rather than introducing a new, unrelated observance.

Introit (Daily Prayer)

Ps 44:13 44:15-16.
All the rich among the people seek your favor. Behind her the virgins of her train are brought to the King. They are borne in to You with gladness and joy. (Alleluja, alleluja.)
Ps 44:2
My heart overflows with a goodly theme; as I sing my ode to the King.
Glory Be to the Father…

O God, Who by the fruitful virginity of blessed Mary, have bestowed upon mankind the reward of eternal salvation, grant, we beseech You, that we may enjoy the intercession of her through whom we have been found worthy to receive among us the author of life, our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son,
Who livest and reignest with God the Father…

Weekly Prayer

Act of Hope

O my God, relying on Thy almighty power and infinite mercy and promises, I hope to obtain pardon of my sins, the help of Thy grace, and life everlasting, through the merits of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Redeemer.

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

Principal celebrationCalendar title

Day 5 within the Octave of the Epiphany

A biography or feast reflection has not yet been prepared.

Today in Church History

Pope Fabian: The Twentieth Pope of Rome
236-250Papal
Pope Fabian succeeded Anterus as the twentieth pope of Rome around 236 AD. His papacy is noted for its leadership during a time of persecution and for the strengthening of the Church's structure, which laid the groundwork for future popes.
Leadership in times of trial can strengthen the faith community.
Pope Fabian's Succession as the Twentieth Pope
236-250Papal
Pope Fabian succeeded Anterus in 236 AD, marking an important moment in the early Church's leadership. His papacy is noted for its role in strengthening the Christian community during a time of persecution and uncertainty in Rome.
Leadership in the Church is vital for guiding the faithful through trials.
Re-establishment of Diplomatic Relations with the U.S.
1984Event
In 1984, the Holy See and the United States restored full diplomatic relations, marking a significant moment in the Church's engagement with modern nation-states. This event underscored the importance of dialogue and cooperation between the Catholic Church and the U.S. government, enhancing the Church's influence in American society.

Catechism

Catechism of the Catholic Church

In the unfolding of salvation history, God calls Abram to become Abraham, “the father of a multitude of nations,” and promises that all the nations of the earth will be blessed in him (CCC 59). Abraham’s descendants become the chosen people and trustees of God’s promise, preparing for the day when God gathers his children into the unity of the Church; the Gentiles are grafted onto this root through faith (CCC 60). The patriarchs, prophets, and certain other Old Testament figures are honored as saints in the Church’s liturgical traditions (CCC 61). God forms Israel by freeing them from slavery in Egypt, making the covenant at Sinai, and giving the law through Moses so that they may recognize and serve him as the one living and true God, provident Father, and just judge, while looking for the promised Saviour (CCC 62). Through the prophets, God teaches his people to hope for salvation, a new and everlasting covenant for all, and a redemption that includes every nation; the poor and humble bear this hope, and Mary is its purest figure (CCC 64).

God has communicated with humanity throughout history, culminating in the definitive revelation of his Son, Jesus Christ, the Father’s perfect and unsurpassable Word (CCC 65, 73). The new and definitive Covenant established in Christ will never pass away, and although Revelation is complete, Christian faith continues gradually to grasp its full significance through the centuries (CCC 66). Private revelations do not add to or complete Christ’s Revelation; when recognized by the Church, they can help believers live more fully by it in particular times (CCC 67). In love, God has revealed and given himself to humanity, answering our deepest questions about life’s meaning and purpose. He gradually disclosed his mystery through deeds and words, making covenants with Noah, Abraham, and his people, and preparing humanity through the prophets for the salvation of all (CCC 68-72).

Today's Mass Readings

Open the day's Sancta MissaDivinum Officium · Divino Afflatu - 1954View readings

Day 5 within the Octave of the Epiphany

Understanding the Day

Introit (Daily Prayer)

Collect

Weekly Prayer

Act of Hope

Weekly Formation

Counsel, Command, and Consent

Ways of Being Accessory to Another’s Sin

The Spiritual Works of Mercy

Saint & Feast

Day 5 within the Octave of the Epiphany

Today in Church History

Pope Fabian: The Twentieth Pope of Rome

Pope Fabian's Succession as the Twentieth Pope

Re-establishment of Diplomatic Relations with the U.S.

Catechism

Catechism of the Catholic Church

Today's Mass Readings

Baltimore Catechism No. 3