The Bishops' Conference of Scotland

Gospel of the Day (Matthew 4:12-17, 23-2)

At that time: When Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew into Galilee. And leaving Nazareth he went and lived in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali, so that what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled: ‘The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles — the people dwelling in darkness have seen a great light, and for those dwelling in the region and shadow of death, on them a light has dawned.’ From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.’

And he went throughout all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction among the people. So his fame spread throughout all Syria, and they brought him all the sick, those afflicted with various diseases and pains, those oppressed by demons, those having seizures, and paralytics, and he healed them. And great crowds followed him from Galilee and the Decapolis, and from Jerusalem and Judea, and from beyond the Jordan.

Sunday Reflection with Bishop Toal 4 January 2026

Holy Mass of the Epiphany of the Lord | 04 January 2026
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🕊️JUSTICE & PEACE SUNDAY 2026

Today in Scotland, on the Feast of the Epiphany, we mark the Day of Prayer for Peace, also known as Justice & Peace Sunday.

Archbishop Nolan has prepared a special reflection inviting us to pray for the conversion of all human hearts towards peace. You can watch his message below, and listen out for his letter being read at Sunday Masses today.

We invite all friends and supporters of Justice & Peace Scotland to join with us in praying in a particular way today for peace, reconciliation, and justice in our world.

In his Message for the World Day of Peace, our Holy Father, Pope Leo, calls us to begin the year united in prayer:

“Let us all pray together for peace: first, among nations bloodied by conflict and suffering, but also within our homes, in families wounded by violence or pain.”

As we begin 2026, how will you respond to this call? How will you help build up God’s kingdom of love, justice, and peace in your own life, parish, and community?

Gospel of the day (Matthew 2:1-12)

Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, ‘Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.’ When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he enquired of them where the Christ was to be born. They told him, ‘In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet:

“And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
for from you shall come a ruler
who will shepherd my people Israel.” ’

Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, ‘Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.’ After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshipped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.