CHRISTMAS WEEKDAY
SAINTS OF THE DAY ~ FEAST DAY: JANUARY 3, 2026 | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/category/saints-of-the-day
THE FEAST OF THE MOST HOLY NAME OF JESUS AND MEMORIAL OF SAINT GENEVIEVE OF PARIS, VIRGIN | JANUARY 3RD | Direct link to the detailed history of the Feast of the Most Holy Name of Jesus and Saint Genevieve of Paris | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-january-3rd/
FIRST FRIDAYS AND FIRST SATURDAYS DEVOTIONS | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/02/01/first-fridays-and-first-saturdays-devotions/
FIRST FRIDAYS DEVOTION: https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/01/03/first-friday-devotion-to-the-sacred-heart-of-jesus/
Watch “Holy Mass and Holy Rosary | EWTN | January 3, 2026 | “Holy Mass from the National Shrine of the Divine Mercy” | Pray “Holy Rosary Novena From Lourdes” | Pray “The Chaplet of Divine Mercy in song from the National Shrine of the Divine Mercy” | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/catholic-daily-mass-january-3-2026/
THE LITURGICAL YEAR IN THE CATHOLIC CHURCH | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/the-liturgical-year-in-the-catholic-church/
Greetings and blessings, beloved family!
Today, the Church joyfully celebrates the Feast of the Most Holy Name of Jesus and the Memorial of Saint Genevieve of Paris, Virgin, while also observing the First Saturday of the month, a day especially dedicated to reparation and devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. In the Holy Name of Jesus, we honor the saving power of God made flesh, the name above every name, through which we receive forgiveness, healing, and new life as children of God. As we continue our journey within the Christmas season, today’s celebration invites us to live worthily of the name we bear as Christians, to seek purity of heart, and to trust in Christ who takes away the sins of the world. Inspired by the steadfast faith and courage of Saint Genevieve, and guided by Our Lady’s maternal call on this First Saturday, we are encouraged to deepen our prayer, offer reparation for sins, and renew our commitment to holiness, peace, and faithful witness in the world. 🙏🏾
We joyfully thank God for the gift of life and for bringing us safely into the new year. As we embark on this fresh journey of faith, we give thanks for God’s boundless mercy and the hope of eternal life promised to those who believe in Him. May the witness of the Saints and the faith of our loved ones inspire us to live each day in holiness, humility, and love. This month of January, dedicated to the Holy Name of Jesus, invites us to grow in grace and devotion, following His example of love, obedience, and trust in God’s plan. Through the prayers of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Holy Name of Jesus, may God fill our hearts with hope, strengthen our faith, and guide us in holiness throughout this new year. May this month bring light to our minds, peace to our hearts, and strength to our souls. Amen 🙏🏽
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted” ~ Matthew 5:4
We join our Holy Father Pope Leo XIV to pray for the gentle repose of the souls of our dear beloved late Pope Francis, the Cardinals, Bishops, Priests and Religious who have gone to be with the Lord. We also remember in prayer all who began this journey of life with us but are no longer here. We pray for the gentle repose of the souls of our loved ones who recently passed away, and we continue to pray for the souls in Purgatory; lost souls. For the repose of the souls of all the faithful departed, may the Lord receive them into the light of Eternal Kingdom.
“Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of His Saints.” ~ Psalm 116:15
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord. And let perpetual light shine upon them. May their gentle souls through the mercy of God rest in perfect peace with our Lord Jesus Christ… Amen 🙏🏽
PRAYER FOR THE DEAD: In your hands, O Lord, we humbly entrust our brothers and sisters. In this life, you embraced them with your tender love; deliver them now from every evil, and bid them eternal rest. The old order has passed away: welcome them into paradise, where there will be no sorrow, no weeping or pain, but fullness of peace and joy with your Son and the Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen🙏🏽✝️🕯✝️🕯✝️🕯
Lord Almighty, we lift our hearts in gratitude for Your unfailing love, protection, and mercy that carried us through the past months. We entrust the days of January into Your hands, asking for Your blessings, guidance, and peace upon our lives and families. May this month be for us a time of renewed faith, deeper hope, and overflowing joy. We pray especially for all families, for children, parents, and teachers, that they may be strengthened and protected. Bless those who will celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, new opportunities, and milestones this month, and comfort those who enter it with heavy hearts or struggles. Lord, go before us, walk beside us, and remain with us always, now and forever. Amen. 🙏🏽
Today, we humbly pray for the poor, abandoned, and those in need, for all those who are marginalized in our society. For those who are imprisoned, especially those who are unjustly imprisoned. We pray for charitable organizations, asking God’s blessing upon their mission and we lift our prayers for peace, love, justice and unity in our families, marriages and our world. May God protect us all and keep us safe and united in peace, love and faith. Amen 🙏🏽
Through the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary on this special Feast day, we lift our prayers for the protection, safety and well-being of healthcare professionals, educators, missionaries, pilots, and all travelers. We ask for healing for the sick and dying, especially those who are suffering from cancers and other terminal diseases, strength for the weary, peace in troubled homes, and provision for all in need. Guide our steps in righteousness, protect us from harm, and fill our hearts with faith, joy, and gratitude. May this month draw us closer to Your will, and may every day be a testimony of Your goodness and mercy in our lives. We begin this month with trust in Your unfailing love, Lord, and we surrender all that lies ahead into Your hands. Amen 🙏🏾
We continue to pray for the Church, the Clergy, our Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, the Cardinals, Bishops, all Priests, that they be sanctified in their ministry to God’s people. We pray for persecuted Christians, for the conversion of sinners, and Christians all over the world suffering from political and religious unrest.
Through the intercession of St. Joseph, we pray for all fathers, mothers, workers, and all those who labor in this world. May the Lord bless the work of their hands, and may God’s grace and mercy be with us all during this season of Advent. Wishing us all and our loved ones a joyful, peaceful, and grace-filled month of January. 🙏🏽
FIRST FRIDAYS AND FIRST SATURDAYS DEVOTIONS:
The FIRST FRIDAY DEVOTION is a Catholic practice that involves attending Mass, receiving Holy Communion and praying and adoring before the Blessed Sacrament on the first Friday of each month for nine months in a row. The devotion originated in the 17th century after Jesus appeared to St. Margaret Mary and spoke of His Sacred Heart. Jesus promised that those who receive Holy Communion on the First Fridays of nine consecutive months will receive the grace of final perseverance. The devotion is a way to honor the Sacred Heart of Jesus and to atone for sins. The devotion is also known as the Communions of Reparation to the Sacred Heart or the Nine First Fridays Devotion. The Roman Catholic Church fully approved the devotion.
Some elements of the First Fridays Devotion include:
Sacramental Confession: A preparation for the devotion
Holy Communion: Received on the first Friday of each month for nine months in a row
Holy Hour: Spent in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament
Prayer for the Holy Father: A prayer for the intentions of the Holy Father
The devotion is said to offer many spiritual blessings, including:
Increased Grace: The soul is strengthened and intimacy with Christ is deepened through the frequent reception of the Eucharist
Inner Peace: Trusting in Jesus’ promises can bring comfort in times of trial
Forgiveness and Healing: Reparation for sins can bring peace to the heart and renewal in Christ
Final Perseverance: Those who complete the devotion with love and faith are assured of Christ’s presence at the moment of death
The FIVE FIRST SATURDAYS DEVOTION originated from the 1917 apparitions of the Virgin Mary in Fatima, Portugal. During these apparitions, Our Lady asked for acts of reparation to be made on the first Saturday of five consecutive months, with the intention of atoning for the sins committed against her Immaculate Heart. While the Sacred Heart of Jesus promises abundant blessings, including peace, consolation, and assistance at the hour of death, to those who faithfully observe nine consecutive First Fridays. Similarly, Our Lady extends her maternal protection and the promise of salvation to those who commit to five consecutive First Saturdays in honor of her Immaculate Heart.
Our Lady promises her assistance and graces especially at the hour of death, as well as peace and consolation in families and eventual salvation for those who faithfully practice the First Five Saturdays devotion. It involves attending Mass, receiving communion, praying the Rosary, and meditating on its mysteries on 5 consecutive first Saturdays with the intention of making reparation to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
The promises of Mary for the First Five Saturdays devotion:
On each First Saturday, after receiving communion, reciting the Rosary, and meditating for 15 minutes on the mysteries of the Rosary, Our Lady promised to assist at the hour of death with all the graces necessary for salvation all those who make this devotion in reparation to Her Immaculate Heart.
Our Lady promised to grant peace to families who fulfill this devotion.
Those who fulfill the devotion will be consoled by Our Lady and will see Her eventually in heaven.
Our Lady promised to assist in the salvation of those who practice this devotion by the graces of Her Immaculate Heart.
These First Saturday Prayers to the Immaculate Heart of Mary are recommended for those participating in the Five First Saturdays devotion.
Please see links below for both First Fridays and First Saturdays Devotions:
First Fridays Devotion: https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/01/03/first-friday-devotion-to-the-sacred-heart-of-jesus/
First Fridays and First Saturdays Devotions: https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/01/03/first-fridays-first-saturdays-devotions/
SCRIPTURE REFLECTIONS:
Bible Readings for today’s Holy Mass, Christmas Weekday | USCCB | https://bible.usccb.org/daily-bible-reading
Today’s Bible Readings: Christmas Weekday | January 3, 2026
Reading 1: 1 John 2:29–3:6
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 98:1, 3cd–4, 5–6
Gospel: John 1:29–34
Gospel Reading ~ John 1:29–34
“Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.”
John the Baptist saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world. He is the one of whom I said, ‘A man is coming after me who ranks ahead of me because he existed before me.’ I did not know him, but the reason why I came baptizing with water was that he might be made known to Israel.” John testified further, saying, “I saw the Spirit come down like a dove from the sky and remain upon him. I did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘On whomever you see the Spirit come down and remain, he is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’ Now I have seen and testified that he is the Son of God.”
In today’s Gospel, John the Baptist makes one of the most profound declarations in all of Scripture: “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.” With these words, John reveals not only who Jesus is, but what He has come to do. Jesus is the Lamb, gentle, obedient, and offered in sacrifice, who comes to bear away the burden of sin that separates humanity from God. This title recalls the Passover lamb whose blood saved Israel, and it points forward to the Cross, where Christ will give His life for the salvation of the world. John does not draw attention to himself; instead, he directs all eyes to Christ. His entire mission is fulfilled in this moment: to make Jesus known.
John’s testimony also reveals the deep mystery of Christ’s identity. Though Jesus lived quietly among the people, He was already present, already at work, already chosen. John admits that he did not know Him fully at first, but God revealed the truth through the descent of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit resting upon Jesus confirms Him as the Son of God, the One who baptizes not merely with water, but with the Holy Spirit. This moment is not only a revelation of Christ but also a reminder that true recognition of Jesus comes through divine grace. We, too, come to know Christ not by our own effort alone, but through the Spirit who opens our eyes and hearts.
The First Reading from the First Letter of John deepens this revelation by reminding us of our identity in Christ. “See what love the Father has bestowed on us that we may be called the children of God and so we are.” Through Christ, the Lamb of God, we are not merely forgiven; we are transformed. We become God’s children. This dignity shapes how we are called to live. Saint John makes it clear that those who remain in Christ strive to live in righteousness and purity, not out of fear, but out of love. Sin is incompatible with communion with God because Christ came precisely to take sin away. To remain in Him is to allow His grace to continually purify and renew us.
The Responsorial Psalm echoes this joy of salvation: “All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.” The coming of Christ is not a hidden or private gift; it is a salvation meant for all nations. The psalm invites the whole world to sing a new song, to rejoice, and to praise the Lord with music and gladness. Christmas reminds us that God’s saving power has entered human history in a visible and tangible way. The joy of this salvation calls for celebration not only with our voices but with our lives.
As we reflect on today’s Scriptures, we are invited to ask ourselves: Do I truly behold Jesus as the Lamb of God in my daily life, or have I grown accustomed to His presence without awe? Do I allow the Holy Spirit to reveal Christ more deeply to me, or do I rely only on surface knowledge of faith? If I am truly a child of God, how is that identity shaping my choices, my words, and my relationships? Am I striving to remain in Christ, allowing Him to take away my sins and transform my heart?
Today’s readings invite us to stand beside John the Baptist, to look upon Jesus with faith, and to bear witness to who He truly is. Christ comes to us not only to be admired, but to be received; not only to be proclaimed, but to be followed. As children of God, we are called to live in hope, purity, and joyful expectation of what God is still unfolding in us. May we behold the Lamb of God with renewed faith, remain firmly rooted in Him, and allow His saving love to shape our lives each day. May God in His infinite mercy grant us the grace to remain in His Son, so that when He is revealed, we may stand before Him with confidence and joy. 🙏🏽
Lord Jesus Christ, Lamb of God, You take away the sins of the world. Open our eyes to recognize You more clearly and our hearts to welcome You more deeply. Help us to remain in You, to live as true children of God, and to walk in righteousness and love. May Your Holy Spirit guide us, purify us, and strengthen us, that our lives may bear faithful witness to Your saving power. We place our trust in You, now and always. Amen. 🙏🏽
THE FEAST OF THE MOST HOLY NAME OF JESUS AND MEMORIAL OF SAINT GENEVIEVE OF PARIS, VIRGIN – FEAST DAY: JANUARY 3RD: Today, the Church joyfully celebrates the Feast of the Most Holy Name of Jesus and commemorates Saint Genevieve of Paris, Virgin. On this day, we honor the saving power of the Name of Jesus, the name given by God Himself, through which humanity receives salvation and we remember a faithful servant who trusted deeply in God’s protection and providence. Together, these celebrations call us to begin the new year with faith, humility, and confidence in the Lord who saves. As we venerate the Holy Name of Jesus and reflect on the witness of Saint Genevieve, we are reminded that God’s grace works both through divine mystery and faithful human cooperation. May this feast inspire us to call upon the Name of Jesus with reverence and trust, and to live lives of prayer, courage, and steadfast hope in the midst of trials.
Saints of the Day with Daily Reflections | January 3rd https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com
(Direct link to the detailed history of the Feast of the Most Holy Name of Jesus and Saint Genevieve of Paris | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-january-3rd/)
THE MOST HOLY NAME OF JESUS: The Name of Jesus means “God saves” and was given to Him at His circumcision on the eighth day after His birth, in obedience to the Law and in fulfillment of God’s plan (cf. Lk 2:21). This holy Name reveals His identity and mission: He is the Savior of the world, true God and true Man. From the earliest days of the Church, believers invoked the Name of Jesus for healing, forgiveness, and salvation.
Devotion to the Holy Name has been promoted throughout the centuries by saints such as Bernardine of Siena and supported by the Church as a source of grace, strength, and consolation. Saint Paul reminds us that at the Name of Jesus every knee should bend and every tongue proclaim Him Lord (Phil 2:9–11). The Church has traditionally dedicated the month of January to honoring this most powerful and saving Name.
PRAYER: O God, You established the salvation of the human race in the Name of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Grant that all who call upon His Holy Name may find mercy, strength, and peace. May we live and die trusting in the Name above every name. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏾
MEMORIAL OF SAINT GENEVIEVE OF PARIS, VIRGIN: Saint Genevieve (c. 422–512) was a courageous and deeply prayerful virgin who devoted her life to God from a young age. Encouraged by Saint Germanus of Auxerre, she embraced a life of fasting, charity, and constant prayer. Despite persecution and misunderstanding, she remained steadfast in faith and became known for her prophetic insight and holiness.
She is especially remembered for her role in protecting Paris through prayer during invasions and famine. Through her trust in God, the city was spared from destruction and sustained in times of hardship. Saint Genevieve became the patron saint of Paris and a powerful witness to the strength of faith rooted in prayer and perseverance.
PRAYER: God, who adorned Saint Genevieve with faith and courage, grant that through her intercession we may remain steadfast in prayer and trust in Your providence. Protect us in times of trial and lead us always in the path of peace. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏾
Our Blessed Mother Mary, and Saint Genevieve of Paris, Virgin ~ Pray for us. 🙏🏾
Most Holy Name of Jesus ~ Save us. 🙏🏾
GENERAL PRAYERS AND INTENTIONS | PRAYERS FOR PEACE | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/general-prayers-and-intentions/
LIST OF ALL NOVENAS | Month of January | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/list-of-all-novenas-january-2026/
COMMON CATHOLIC PRAYERS | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/common-catholic-prayers/
THE HOLY ROSARY: WHAT IS THE HOLY ROSARY AND WHY DO WE PRAY THE HOLY ROSARY? | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2024/11/21/the-holy-rosary-what-is-the-holy-rosary-and-why-do-we-pray-the-holy-rosary/
KIND REMINDER: JUBILEE YEAR OF HOPE 2025 HOLY DOOR SCHEDULE TIMELINES | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/jubilee-of-hope-2025/
Please find below links to the websites for Daily Reflections, Foundation, and interesting topics and articles about our Catholic faith and doctrines | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/01/30/daily-reflections-and-prayer-links/
THE POPE’S MONTHLY INTENTIONS FOR 2026: FOR THE MONTH OF JANUARY: For prayer with the Word of God. Let us pray that praying with the Word of God be nourishment for our lives and a source of hope in our communities, helping us to build a more fraternal and missionary Church.
(https://popesprayerusa.net/popes-intentions/)
MONTH OF THE HOLY NAME OF JESUS: The month of January is traditionally dedicated to the Holy Name of Jesus. After the Blessed Virgin Mary conceived by the Holy Spirit, the Angel Gabriel appeared to St. Joseph told him that the Child’s name should be called Jesus, meaning “God Saves.” According to Jewish law, on the 8th day after his birth, a male child was to be circumcised, receive his name, and become a full member of God’s covenant people. According to the old Roman liturgical calendar, the Feast of the Circumcision of Jesus was celebrated on January 1st, eight days after Christmas, the same day that He was given His sacred name. Currently, we celebrate the Solemnity of the Mother of God on January 1st and honor the Holy Name of Jesus on January 3rd. For Catholics, Jesus’ sacred name is the object of a special devotion symbolized by the monogram “IHS,” (sometimes called a Christogram), which is the first three letters of the Greek spelling of His name.
https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/view.cfm?recnum=12538
PRAYER INTENTIONS: Calling upon the Most Holy Name of Jesus, the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world, we lift our hearts in prayer to the Father. We pray for the Church, that all who bear the name of Christian may live as true children of God, purified by Christ and faithful to His truth. Through the intercession of Saint Genevieve, we pray for courage and perseverance in times of trial, for peace in our nations and cities, and for protection over families and communities. We remember the poor, the sick, the suffering, and the forgotten, especially those facing fear, displacement, or hardship. We pray for conversion of hearts, for an end to violence and injustice, and for the faithful departed, that they may behold the glory of the Lamb in eternal joy.
LET US PRAY:
Lord Jesus Christ, Lamb of God and Savior of the world, You were revealed by the Father and testified to by John so that all might believe and be saved in Your Holy Name. Cleanse us from sin, strengthen us to live as children of God, and help us to bear faithful witness to You in word and deed. Through the prayers of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Saint Genevieve, keep us steadfast in faith, confident in hope, and rich in love. You who live and reign with the Father in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen. 🙏🏾
Save Us, Savior of the World. Our Blessed Mother Mary, the Most Holy Name of Jesus, and Saint Genevieve of Paris ~ Pray for us 🙏🏾
Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in you. Immaculate Heart of Mary, Pray for us. Amen 🙏🏽
Thanking God for the precious gift of this new day and for His faithful presence throughout the year now completed, we begin this new year in the joy of the of Christmas season, with hearts open to the wondrous mystery of Christ’s birth. As a new year dawns, we pause to reflect with gratitude on all that has been, entrusting our joys and sorrows, successes and shortcomings, into God’s merciful hands. We lift our hearts in thanksgiving for the greatest gift ever given: God Himself, born for us in humble love, bringing light, hope, and salvation to the world.
As we step forward into this new year, may this sacred season invite us to begin again with renewed faith, deeper trust, and a greater openness to God’s grace. May the peace, joy, and hope that flow from the presence of Emmanuel, God-with-us, guide our steps, shape our decisions, and strengthen our resolve to live each day in love and holiness. Alleluia! May God bless all families and loved ones as we welcome the year ahead, and may His light shine brightly in every home. May these last days of the Christmas season be grace-filled and joyful, drawing us ever deeper into the mystery of the Lord’s Incarnation and the quiet assurance of His abiding presence with us throughout the year to come. 🙏🏽
Blessings and Love always, Philomena 💖
Daily Reflections with Philomena | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/
Sir G.L.I Opiepe’s Health and Education Foundation | https://gliopiepehe.org
Sir G.L.I Opiepe’s Health and Education Foundation | Global Missions Now Awards |
https://youtu.be/gB31nuOFx0A?si=mSoZs-wiByhGs
North Texas Catholic Magazine | Dr. Philomena Ikowe – Life on Purpose (pages 44-45) | https://www.flipsnack.com/A9DFE877C6F/north-texas-catholic-magazine-mar-apr-issue-2025/full-view.html
Dr. Philomena Ikowe and Her Joyful Catholic Witness | Lights, Catholic, Action! | Podcast Interview | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/dr-philomena-ikowe-and-her-joyful-catholic-witness/