The Mass proper to the Second Sunday after Christmas is celebrated only when the Solemnity of the Epiphany remains on January 6 and falls on a weekday. In the United States, the Epiphany is always transferred to a Sunday, and so these readings will not be used. Nevertheless, a commentary on them is included for completeness and for their contribution to a fuller understanding of the mystery of the incarnation we celebrate in the Christmas season.

See the commentary for Christmas Mass during the Day.

This beautiful hymn in praise of wisdom is similar to Proverbs 8, but wisdom is seen here more clearly in terms of God’s presence among his people. Wisdom dwelling in a tent anticipates the language and imagery of Jn 1:14, and recalls the tabernacle or meeting tent of Ex 24 and 40 as the dwelling place of God. God’s wisdom is identified with his word (vv 2-3), his creative power (vv 5-6), and his redeeming and loving presence (vv 8-12).

This is the second part of a two-part psalm that praises God for his goodness toward the people he has chosen as his own. Response: "The Word of God became man, and lived among us."

This blessing-introduction to this letter unfolds the theme of God’s choice of a people being an act of sharing his wisdom with them. Jesus Christ is the unfailing sign that God has chosen us — all who believe in his name have that assurance as God’s adopted children. And through Christ God enlightens us to realize the gift of his election and to understand its value.

1. What is wisdom? How is wisdom distinct from other qualities such as understanding or knowledge?

2. What does your understanding of the meaning of "word" contribute to your understanding of Jesus?