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Fr. Dave Heney

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Gospel Reflections for January 4 2026: Feast of the Epiphany

January 2, 2026 By Father Dave 5 Comments

Gospel Reflections for January 4 2026

Gospel for January 4 2026 – Matthew 2:1-12

Gospel Reflections for January 4 2026

I have a few questions… 

…I would like to know why some people get sick while others remain healthy, how the universe and human life evolved, how love can last …and even if politics ever improve today!

Maybe you have questions as well. Where can you look for wisdom?

Today’s Gospel tells the story of the Magi (wise teachers) going to Bethlehem by the light of a star that was itself among millions of other stars. 

Why did they follow just that special one? The Magi had wisdom. While education is knowing a lot of things, true wisdom is knowing …just the right thing! 

Our Catholic faith affirms two complimentary sources of wisdom and truth. 

One source is Revelation, or all the things God said and did in written scriptures and oral tradition. For example, the scriptures revealed the Messiah would come from Bethlehem. 

The other source is accurate scientific Observation of the world. The Magi accurately observed a star and recognized it also signaled a new King at Bethlehem.. 

Both revelation and observation affirm our long tradition of Catholic Church support of both science and faith. Catholicism is based both on faithful revelation and scientific observation together. 

That is also why the Catholic Church has a long tradition of starting schools all over the world, and even started the very first universities. You can use both faith and reason to find God’s wisdom for your life.  

The Magi, like all good scientists and theologians, observed signs in the sky that announced the plan of God, and they followed just the right star that brought them to the right place.

In a few months we will enter the Season of Lent and also host the return of The University Series at St. Bruno, Beatitudes, and St. Mary parishes. 

We will offer over 40 different sessions on topics about Scriptures, Faith & Science, Marriage and Family Issues, Spirituality, and Current Events. Stay tuned for more info about this large program.

The Magi in today’s Gospel are a great example of scientists who correctly observed the signs of God’s plan and travelled to Bethlehem …and the greatest source of wisdom for all their questions. Perhaps that is why they are still called Wise. 

Make their choice to seek Jesus your goal as well both now and during Lent.

God Bless!

Fr. Dave

Fr. Dave Heney - DaveHeney.com

Filed Under: Gospel Reflections

About Father Dave

Fr. Dave Heney was ordained a parish priest for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles in 1978. In 1991 he received a Masters degree in Marriage, Family, and Child Counseling from the University of Southern California. He has authored three books and founded The University Series, a Lenten adult education program. Currently he is Pastor of St. Bruno Catholic Church in Whittier, California. Learn more about Fr. Dave >>

Comments

  1. Kathy Herbert says

    January 3, 2026 at 2:40 pm

    Hi, Fr. Dave! Looking forward to hearing your presentation at University Series once again.
    Kathy H,
    SRL

    Reply
  2. Argyle Nelson says

    January 4, 2026 at 12:43 pm

    We always enjoy your insights and wisdom. Happy New Year. Argyle and Barbara

    Reply
    • Father Dave says

      January 4, 2026 at 9:29 pm

      Happy New Year!

      Reply
  3. Franca and Dick Dornan says

    January 5, 2026 at 2:45 pm

    We have always loved the University series!! We loved presenting my precious book ” Mary A Woman in Love” at your loving Series and I am still selling and mostly giving my precious book to others!! Loveeeeee your introduction in it and love you for being a beautiful part of it!!! You are a precious part of Dick and my life and we are so thankful to our loving God for the gift of precious you!!! A Blessed, beautiful New Year to you! embracing everyone in our loving Jesus and our beautiful Mary’s loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!
    Loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee, Franca and Dick

    Reply
    • Father Dave says

      January 10, 2026 at 8:49 pm

      Thank you!

      Reply

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