The Holy Name of our Lord, January 1, 2017 Year A

On January 1st, we celebrate the Circumcision of Christ. Since we are more squeamish than our ancestors, modern calendars often list it as the feast of the Holy Name of Jesus. Every Jewish boy was circumcised (and formally named) on the eighth day of his life, and so, one week after Christmas, we celebrate the occasion when Our Lord first shed His blood for us. It is a fit close for a week of martyrs, and reminds us that to suffer for Christ is to suffer with Him.

Old Testament: Numbers 6:22-27 read from the Revised Standard Version Bible

Psalm: 8 read from The Episcopal Church Book of Common Prayer

The Epistle: Philippians 2:5-11 read from the God's Word Bible

The Gospel: Luke 2:15-21 read from the Holman Christian Standard Bible

On January 4th we remember Elizabeth Seton, founder of the American Sisters of Charity.

If you would like a copy of today's text in a PDF click here.