January 9, 2026: Friday After Epiphany

Bible Verses for Reference

First Reading: (1 John 5:5–13)

Responsorial Psalm: (Psalm 147:12–13, 14–15, 19–20)

R. O Jerusalem, glorify the Lord!

Gospel: (Luke 5:12–16)

Alleluia

“Jesus was proclaiming the Gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and affliction among the people.”

Reflection:

“I Will; Be Clean.”

Today’s readings revolve around testimony, healing, and the inner life of faith.

1. Faith That Overcomes the World

John reminds us that the believer is not powerless.
To believe in Christ is not merely intellectual, it is participation in his victory.

The Spirit, the water, and the blood testify that Jesus is the Son of God, and whoever holds this testimony already carries eternal life within.

This is not future tense.
It is present reality.

2. The Leper’s Prayer Is the Perfect Prayer

The man with leprosy approaches Jesus with:

• Humility: he falls on his face

• Honesty: he acknowledges his condition

• Faith: “You can make me clean”

• Surrender: “If you will…”

This is the posture of a heart ready for healing.

3. Jesus’ Touch Changes Everything

Leprosy made a person untouchable.
Jesus does not heal from a distance—he touches the man.

He steps into the place of shame, isolation, and fear.

Where we expect rejection, Jesus offers contact.
Where we expect judgment, he offers mercy.
Where we expect delay, he offers immediacy:

“I will; be clean.”

4. Healing Requires Cooperation

The Gospel notes that Jesus sends the man to the priest.
Grace heals, but obedience completes the healing.
God’s work and our cooperation always meet.

5. Even in Ministry, Jesus Withdraws to Pray

Crowds press in.
Needs multiply.
But Jesus steps away to pray.

If the Son of God needed solitude with the Father, how much more do we?

Takeaway for Today

• Believe boldly: faith is already victory.

• Pray like the leper: humble, honest, trusting, surrendered.

• Let Jesus touch the places you hide: he is not afraid of your wounds.

• Cooperate with grace: healing is both gift and response.

• Protect your prayer life: even Jesus withdrew to pray.