Understanding the Day
Season
Epiphany
Week
Week 1 of Epiphany
Rank
Major feast
Introit (Daily Prayer)
The father of the Just will exult with glee; let Your father and mother have joy; let her who bore You exult.
Ps 83:2-3
How lovely is Your dwelling place, O Lord of Hosts! My soul yearns and pines for the courts of the Lord.
Glory Be to the Father…
Who livest…
Weekly Prayer
Act of Charity
I love my neighbor as myself for the love of Thee. I forgive all who have injured me, and ask pardon of all whom I have injured.
Weekly Formation
Provocation, Praise, and Concealment
Ways of Being Accessory to Another’s Sin
By provocation
A person becomes accessory by provocation when words or actions deliberately stir another toward anger, vice, or a specific sinful response. The fault lies in intending or recklessly encouraging the temptation rather than merely being present when another reacts badly.
By praise or flattery
A person becomes accessory by praise or flattery when approval makes sinful conduct seem admirable, harmless, or worth repeating. Compliments and social encouragement can strengthen another’s bad choice even when no direct command is given.
By concealment
A person becomes accessory by concealment when wrongdoing is deliberately hidden by someone who has a duty to reveal or prevent it. Not every secret must be disclosed, but secrecy becomes cooperation when it protects the sinful action or allows injustice to continue.
The Spiritual Works of Mercy
Admonish the sinner
Admonishing the sinner is a charitable warning intended to help a person recognize and leave serious wrongdoing. It requires truth, prudence, and concern for the person’s salvation, not humiliation, anger, or a desire to display superiority.
Saint & Feast
The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph
A biography or feast reflection has not yet been prepared.
First Sunday after Epiphany
A biography or feast reflection has not yet been prepared.
Day 6 within the Octave of the Epiphany
A biography or feast reflection has not yet been prepared.
Today in Church History
Death of Pope Gregory IV
844PapalPope Gregory IV, who reigned from 827 to 844, passed away on January 11. He is known for his involvement in the Carolingian Empire's politics and the establishment of the Feast of All Saints.
Pope Gregory IV's efforts in unifying the Church and state highlight the importance of harmony and collaboration.
Death of Pope Benedict XV
1922PapalPope Benedict XV, who led the Church from 1914 to 1922, died on January 11. His papacy was marked by efforts to mediate peace during World War I and his emphasis on humanitarian aid.
Pope Benedict XV's dedication to peace and charity serves as a model for compassion and reconciliation.
Pope Paul VI's Pilgrimage to the Holy Land
1964PapalPope Paul VI became the first pope to visit the Holy Land, marking a significant step in Catholic-Jewish relations and ecumenical dialogue. His pilgrimage included meetings with Orthodox leaders.