Day 6 – Christ’s Ministry Begins
Theme: Jesus Anointed to Proclaim the Good News
Weekday in the Epiphany Season
Opening Prayer
Gather as a family or individually. Light a candle, symbolizing Christ’s light now shining through His public ministry.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Lord Jesus,
anointed by the Spirit to bring glad tidings to the poor,
send us forth today as Your witnesses.
Fill our hearts with Your compassion
and our mouths with Your truth.
Who live and reign for ever and ever. Amen.
Scripture Reading
Read slowly and prayerfully:
Luke 4:14–19 (Jesus Begins His Ministry in Nazareth)
“Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit… He unrolled the scroll and found the passage where it was written: ‘The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring glad tidings to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, and to proclaim a year acceptable to the Lord.’”
Isaiah 61:1–2 (The Anointed One)
“The spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me; he has sent me to bring good news to the oppressed, to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives…”
Reflection
After the revelation at His baptism, Jesus returns “in the power of the Spirit” and begins His public ministry by proclaiming the words of Isaiah as fulfilled in Himself.
- He is the Anointed One (Messiah/Christ) sent to bring the Good News especially to the poor, captive, blind, and oppressed.
- His ministry is one of liberation, healing, and joy — announcing God’s favor and the arrival of the Kingdom.
- Through baptism and confirmation, we too are anointed with the same Spirit and share in this mission.
As the Epiphany season draws near its close, we are reminded that Christ’s light is not meant to stay hidden. The revelations of the Magi, baptism, and Cana all point toward His saving work, which now continues through us — His Body, the Church.
Questions for Personal or Family Reflection
- Who are the “poor, captives, blind, and oppressed” in my life or community today? How can I bring Christ’s Good News to them?
- Do I live aware of the anointing of the Holy Spirit in my own life through the sacraments?
- What concrete step can I take this week to proclaim God’s favor and freedom?
Practical Activities for Catholics
- Proclaim the Good News
Choose one person today and share a word of encouragement, hope, or faith — a text, call, or conversation that brings Christ’s light. - Anointing Prayer
Make the Sign of the Cross on your forehead with holy water or oil (if available), praying: “Lord, anoint me anew with Your Spirit to proclaim Your Good News.” - Sing Together
Sing “Here I Am, Lord” or “Go Make a Difference” — songs of mission and sending. - Act of Charity
Reach out to someone who is suffering: visit the sick, comfort the grieving, help someone in material need, or pray intentionally for the oppressed. - Closing Prayer – Mission Prayer
Lord Jesus,
anointed to bring glad tidings to the poor,
send me forth in the power of Your Spirit.
Open my eyes to see those in need around me.
Give me courage to speak Your truth with love.
Let my life proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor
until Your Kingdom comes in fullness.
Holy Spirit, fire of love, consume me.
Mary, Queen of Apostles, pray for us.
Amen.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Go forth today as a bearer of Christ’s Good News.
Day 7 👉: Growing in Faith.