Hello, Reader!
The Christmas season continues as we celebrate the 2nd Sunday after Christmas. Today, Rev. Loretta Mendoza will celebrate Mass with us as we reflect on the Incarnation and explore themes of divine adoption, holy protection, and our calling to share in Christ's divine life.
Reflection on the Readings for the 2nd Sunday after Christmas 2026
Old Testament – Jeremiah 31:7-14 Jeremiah proclaims God’s promise to gather His scattered people from the ends of the earth and to lead them home in comfort. Their mourning will turn to joy, and their lives will flourish like a garden radiant with God’s goodness.
Psalm 84:1-8 The psalmist expresses a deep longing for God’s presence. Those who dwell in God’s house are blessed, and pilgrims who seek Him find strength as they journey toward His presence in Zion.
Epistle – Ephesians 1:3-6, 15-19a Paul praises God for choosing us before creation to be adopted as His children through Christ. He prays that we would receive wisdom and revelation to understand the hope of our calling and the immeasurable greatness of God’s power.
Gospel – Matthew 2:13-15, 19-23 An angel warns Joseph to flee to Egypt with Mary and Jesus to escape Herod’s violence, thereby fulfilling the prophecy “Out of Egypt, I have called my son.” After Herod’s death, the family returns and settles in Nazareth.
These readings reveal God’s faithful protection and restoration in Christ. Just as He gathered the exiles and protected the infant Jesus, He gathers us into His family through adoption. We are chosen to share in Christ’s divine life and invited to dwell in His presence, where we find our strength and joy.
Read the full reflection and Scripture texts on our services webpage.
The podcast will be available later today on your favorite podcast platform.
If you feel inspired to pray for others, we encourage you to include those on our prayer list in your prayers to help strengthen our community.
If you need inspiration for prayer, remember the Book of Common Prayer or these prayers to guide your prayer journey.
Don’t forget to review this week's announcements and the church calendar.
Blessings, and have a great week!
