January 1
Tuesday

Mary, Mother of God

First Reading: Num 6:22-27

Then Yahweh spoke to Moses saying, "Speak to Aaron and his sons and say to them: This is how you shall bless the people of Israel; you shall say:
May Yahweh bless you and keep you!
May Yahweh let his face shine on you, and be gracious to you!
May Yahweh look kindly on you, and give you his peace!
In that way shall they put my name on the people of Israel and I will bless them."

Responsorial Psalm:
Ps 67:2-3, 5, 6, 8
      May God bless us in his mercy.

Second Reading: Gal 4:4-7

But when the fullness of time came, God sent his Son. He came born of woman and subject to the Law, ?in order to redeem the subjects of the Law, that we might receive adoption as children of God. And because you are children, God has sent into your hearts the Spirit of his Son which cries out: Abba! that is, Father!
You yourself are no longer a slave but a son or daughter, and yours is the inheritance by God's grace.

Gospel Reading: Lk 2:16-21

The shepherds came hurriedly and found Mary and Joseph with the baby lying in the manger. On seeing this they related what they had been told about the child, and all were astonished on hearing the shepherds.
As for Mary, she treasured all these messages and continually pondered over them.
The shepherds then returned giving glory and praise to God for all they had heard and seen, just as the angels had told them.
On the eighth day the circumcision of the baby had to be performed; he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he was conceived.

Commentary
The Blessed Virgin Mary receives the Word of God into her person in a way that is unique among the human race, for she is given the great honor of being the mother of our Lord Jesus, true God and true man. As she holds the child Jesus in her arms, she treasures the tremendous gift of the Word of God and continually ponders over its mystery. In so doing, she is a model for all who listen attentively to the Word of God, especially through the reading of the Holy Bible.
As you keep your Bible Diary throughout 2008, may your heart be daily inspired, challenged, consoled, and uplifted. Through the intercession of Mary, the Mother of God, may you be drawn closer to the living presence of her Son, our Lord, Jesus Christ.

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January 2
Wednesday

Before Epiphany
Basil the Great / Gregory of Nazianzen

First Reading: 1 Jn 2:22-28

Who is the liar?
The one who denies that Jesus is the Christ.
This is an antichrist, who denies both the Father and the Son. The one who denies the Son is without the Father, and those who acknowledge the Son also have the Father.
Let what you heard from the beginning remain in you. If what you heard from the beginning remains in you, you, too, will remain in the Son and in the Father. And this is the promise he himself gave us: eternal life.
I write this to you thinking of those who try to lead you astray.
You received from him an anointing, and it remains in you, so you do not need someone to teach you. His anointing teaches you all things, it speaks the truth and does not lie to you; so remain in him, and keep what he has taught you.
And now, my children, live in him, so that when he appears in his glory, we may be confident and not ashamed before him when he comes.

Responsorial Psalm:
Ps 98:1, 2-3ab, 3cd-4
All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.

Gospel Reading: Jn 1:19-28

This was the testimony of John when the Jews sent priests and Levites to ask him, "Who are you?" John recognized the truth and did not deny it. He said, "I am not the Messiah."
And they asked him, "Then who are you? Elijah?" He answered, "I am not." They said, "Are you the Prophet?" And he answered, "No." Then they said to him, "Tell us who you are, so that we can give some answer to those who sent us. How do you see yourself?" And John said, quoting the prophet Isaiah, "I am the voice crying out in the wilderness: Make straight the way of the Lord."
Those who had been sent were Pharisees; so they put a further question to John: "Then why are you baptizing if you are not the Messiah, or Elijah, or the Prophet?" John answered, "I baptize you with water, but among you stands one whom you do not know; although he comes after me, I am not worthy to untie the strap of his sandal."
This happened in Bethabara beyond the Jordan, where John was baptizing.

Commentary
John the Baptist knew who he was, and more importantly he knew who he was not. He knew that the role God gave him to play in this world was to point the way toward the coming of the Messiah, Jesus our Lord. Although many people proclaimed him to be the Messiah, John the Baptist testified steadfastly to the coming of the One far greater than he.
John's very identity is in the Lord Jesus, and so it must be with you and me. We can do nothing greater in this life than to imitate John the Baptist in pointing others in the direction of Jesus. This day will surely provide you with at least one opportunity to use a kind word or a thoughtful deed to do that very thing.

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January 3
Thursday

Before Epiphany
Most Holy Name of Jesus

First Reading: 1 Jn 2:29-3:6

You know that he is the Just One: know then that anyone living justly is born of God.
?See what singular love the Father has for us: we are called children of God, and we really are. This is why the world does not know us, because it did not know him.
Beloved, we are God's children and what we shall be has not yet been shown. Yet when he appears in his glory, we know that we shall be like him, for then we shall see him as he is. All who have such a hope try to be pure as he is pure.
Anyone who commits a sin acts as an enemy of the law of God; any sin acts wickedly, because all sin is wickedness. You know that he came to take away our sins, and that there is no sin in him. Whoever remains in him has no sin, whoever sins has not seen or known him.

Responsorial Psalm:
Ps 98:1, 3cd-4, 5-6
All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.

Gospel Reading: Jn 1:29-34

When John saw Jesus coming towards him, he said, "There is the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world. It is he of whom I said: A man comes after me who is already ahead of me, for he was before me. I myself did not know him, but I came baptizing to prepare for him, so that he might be revealed in Israel."
And John also gave this testimony, "I saw the Spirit coming down on him like a dove from heaven and resting on him. I myself did not know him but God who sent me to baptize told me: 'You will see the Spirit coming down and resting on the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.' Yes, I have seen! and I declare that this is the Chosen One of God."

Commentary
The term "Lamb of God" is rich in meaning. It comes from the experience of the first Passover, during which the blood of the lamb was marked on the doorposts of the people of Israel so that they might be spared from death. So too is the Precious Blood of Jesus, the Lamb of God, poured out upon the cross so that we might have life and have it to the full.
We hear the words of John the Baptist at every Mass, just before the opportunity for Holy Communion. How truly blessed we are to be called to the supper of the Lamb of God.

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January 4
Friday

Before Epiphany
Elizabeth Ann Seton

First Reading: 1 Jn 3:7-10

My little children, do not be led astray; those who do what is right are upright, just as Jesus Christ is upright. But those who sin belong to the devil, for the devil sins from the beginning.
This is why the Son of God was shown to us, he was to undo the works of the devil.
Those born of God do not sin, for the seed of God remains in them; they cannot sin because they are born of God.
What is the way to recognize the children of God and those of the devil? The one who does not do what is right is not of God; so, too, the one who does not love his brother or sister.

Responsorial Psalm:
Ps 98:1, 7-8, 9
All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.

Gospel Reading: Jn 1:35-42

John was at Bethany across the Jordan with two of his disciples. As Jesus walked by, John looked at him and said, "There is the Lamb of God." On hearing this, the two disciples followed Jesus. He turned and saw them following, and he said to them, "What are you looking for?" They answered, "Rabbi (which means Master), where are you staying?" Jesus said, "Come and see." So they went and saw where he stayed and spent the rest of that day with him. It was about four o'clock in the afternoon.
Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter, was one of the two who heard what John had said and followed Jesus. Early the next morning he found his brother Simon and said to him, "We have found the Messiah" (which means the Christ), and he brought Simon to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, "You are Simon, son of John, but you shall be called Cephas" (which means Rock).

Commentary
The gentle words of Jesus, "Come and see," are addressed not only to the apostles, but also to you and me. The Lord invites you to come with Him along the path of life, and to see things from His perspective. He teaches you through His Holy Word that people are more important than things, and that there is no time like the present for doing what is right and good.
Jesus also helps you to see the wisdom of turning away from anything that would distract you from the path of life that He shows you. Other paths might seem more alluring, but only Jesus offers you the path of life.

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January 5
Saturday

Before Epiphany
John Neumann

First Reading: 1 Jn 3:11-21

For this is the message taught to you from the beginning: we must love one another. Do not imitate Cain who killed his brother, for he belonged to the Evil One. Why did he kill him? Because he himself did evil and his brother did good.
So, be not surprised, brothers if the world hates us; we love our brothers and sisters, and with this we know that we have passed from death to life. The one who does not love remains in death.
The one who hates his brother is a murderer, and, as you know, eternal life does not remain in the murderer.
This is how we have known what love is: he gave his life for us. We, too, ought to give our life for our brothers and sisters.
If anyone enjoys the riches of this world, but closes his heart when he sees his brother or sister in need, how will the love of God remain in him? My dear children, let us love not only with words and with our lips, but in truth and in deed.
Then we shall know that we are of the truth and we may calm our conscience in his presence. Every time it reproaches us, let us say: God is greater than our conscience, and he knows everything.
When our conscience does not condemn us, dear friends, we may have complete confidence in God.

Responsorial Psalm:
Ps 100:1-2, 3, 4, 5
Let all the earth cry out to God with joy.

Gospel Reading: Jn 1:43-51

Jesus decided to set off for Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, "Follow me." Philip was from Bethsaida, the town of Andrew and Peter. Philip found Nathanael and said to him, "We have found the one that Moses wrote about in the Law, and the prophets as well: he is Jesus, son of Joseph, from Nazareth."
Nathanael replied, "Can anything good come from Nazareth?" Philip said to him, "Come and see." When Jesus saw Nathanael coming, he said of him, "Here comes an Israelite, a true one; there is nothing false in him." Nathanael asked him, "How do you know me?" And Jesus said to him, "Before Philip called you, you were under the fig tree and I saw you."
Nathanael answered, "Master, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!" But Jesus replied, "You believe because I said: 'I saw you under the fig tree.' But you will see greater things than that.
Truly, I say to you, you will see the heavens opened and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man."

Commentary
"Follow me," Jesus says. Notice that Jesus does not say "Think about following me." He is direct and to the point. His words require urgent action. His invitation demands a response that cannot wait until tomorrow, or next week, or next year.
Philip's life changed in an instant when Jesus spoke those words. Old patterns of be-havior had to change, and his life was never again his own. And because of his close association with Jesus, Philip's life was truly blessed.
As this New Year continues to unfold, may you recognize the opportunity for starting over again each and every day in the blessed task of following Jesus.

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January 6
Sunday

Epiphany of the Lord

First Reading: Is 60:1-6

Arise, Jerusalem, shine, for your light has come.
The Glory of Yahweh rises upon you.
Night still covers the earth and gloomy clouds veil the peoples, but Yahweh now rises and over you his glory appears.
Nations will come to your light and kings to the brightness of your dawn.
Lift up your eyes round about and see: they are all gathered and come to you, your sons from afar, your daughters tenderly carried.
This sight will make your face radiant, your heart throbbing and full; the riches of the sea will be turned to you, the wealth of the nations will come to you.
A flood of camels will cover you, caravans from Midian and Ephah.
Those from Sheba will come, bringing with them gold and incense, all singing in praise of Yahweh.

Responsorial Psalm:
Ps 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-11, 12-13
Lord, every nation on earth will adore you.

Second Reading: Eph 3:2-3a, 5-6

Brothers and sisters, you may have heard of the graces God bestowed on me for your sake. By a revelation he gave me the knowledge of his mysterious design, as I have explained in a few words.
This mystery was not made known to past generations but only now, through revelations given to holy apostles and prophets. Now the non-Jewish people share the Inheritance; in Christ Jesus the non-Jews are incorporated and are to enjoy the Promise.

Gospel Reading: Mt 2:1-12

When Jesus was born in Bethlehem, in Judea, during the days of King Herod, wise men from the east arrived in Jerusalem. They asked, "Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw the rising of his star in the east and have come to honor him."
When Herod heard this he was greatly disturbed and with him all Jerusalem. He immediately called a meeting of all high-ranking priests and the scribes, and asked them where the Messiah was to be born.
"In the town of Bethlehem in Judea," they told him, "for this is what the prophet wrote: And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, you are by no means the least among the clans of Judah, for from you will come a leader, the one who is to shepherd my people Israel."
Then Herod secretly called the wise men and asked them the precise time the star appeared. Then he sent them to Bethlehem with the instruction, "Go and get precise information about the child. As soon as you have found him, report to me, so that I too may go and honor him."
After the meeting with the king, they set out. The star that they had seen in the East went ahead of them and stopped over the place where the child was. The wise men were overjoyed on seeing the star again. They went into the house and when they saw the child with Mary his mother, they knelt and worshiped him. They opened their bags and offered him their gifts of gold, incense and myrrh.
In a dream they were warned not to go back to Herod, so they returned to their home country by another way.

Commentary
The Feast of Epiphany celebrates the discovery of Jesus, the true Light by visitors from distant lands. The magi follow the light of the star and find the Light of the World. They represent the peoples of diverse races, cultures and walks of life who are drawn to the Lord's wonderful light.
As you look at the figures of the magi in the Christmas crèche, give thanks for the tremendous gift you have received in being drawn to the light of the Lord. Consider ways in which your life today can reflect that light, leading others to discover the great gift of Jesus Christ.

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January 7
Monday

Monday after Epiphany
Raymond of Peñafort

First Reading: 1 Jn 3:22-4:6

Then whatever we ask we shall receive, since we keep his commands and do what pleases him.
His command is that we believe in the Name of his Son Jesus Christ and that we love one another, as he has commanded us.
Whoever keeps his commands remains in God and God in him. It is by the Spirit God has given us that we know he lives in us.
My beloved, do not trust every inspiration. Test the spirits to see whether they come from God, because many false prophets are now in the world.
How will you recognize the spirit of God? Any spirit recognizing Jesus as the Christ who has taken our flesh is of God. But any spirit that does not recognize Jesus is not from God, it is the spirit of the antichrist. You have heard of his coming and even now he is in the world.
You, my dear children, are of God and you have already overcome these people, because the one who is in you is more powerful than he who is in the world.
They are of the world and the world inspires them and those of the world listen to them.
We are of God and those who know God listen to us, but those who are not of God ignore us. This is how we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error as well.

Responsorial Psalm:
Ps 2:7bc-8, 10-12a
I will give you all the nations for an inheritance.

Gospel Reading: Mt 4:12-17, 23-25

When Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew into Galilee. He left Nazareth and went to settle down in Capernaum, a town by the lake of Galilee, at the border of Zebulun and Naphtali.
In this way the word of the prophet Isaiah was fulfilled: Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali crossed by the Road of the Sea, and you who live by the Jordan, Galilee, land of pagans, listen: The people who lived in darkness have seen a great light; on those who live in the land of the shadow of death, a light has shone.
From that time on Jesus began to proclaim his message, "Change your ways: the kingdom of heaven is near."
Jesus went around all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the Kingdom, and curing all kinds of sickness and disease among the people.
The news about him spread through the whole of Syria, and the people brought all their sick to him, and all those who suffered: the possessed, the deranged, the paralyzed, and he healed them all. Large crowds followed him from Galilee and the Ten Cities, from Jerusalem, Judea, and from across the Jordan.

Commentary
Jesus' message begins with a call to ongoing conversion of heart. "Change your ways," Jesus asks. Change is seldom easy. Those who have gone on a diet, returned to school or changed careers can testify to the difficulty in changing patterns in one's life. But change means opportunity, as those same people can tell us.
What needs to change in your life? Certainly anything that leads you away from keeping the commandments and following Jesus along the path of life. Change can be difficult, but with God's grace all things are possible. May you prefer nothing to the love of the Lord.

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January 8
Tuesday

Tuesday after Epiphany

First Reading: 1 Jn 4:7-10

My dear friends, let us love one another for love comes from God. Everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.
Those who do not love have not known God, for God is love.
How did the love of God appear among us? God sent his only Son into this world that we might have life through him.
This is love: not that we loved God but that he first loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.

Responsorial Psalm:
Ps 72:1-2, 3-4, 7-8
Lord, every nation on earth will adore you.

Gospel Reading: Mk 6:34-44

As Jesus went ashore he saw a large crowd, and he had compassion on them for they were like sheep without a shepherd. And he began a long teaching session with them.
It was now getting late, so his disciples came to him and said, "This is a lonely place and it is now late. You should send the people away and let them go to the farms and villages around here to buy themselves something to eat."
Jesus replied, "You yourselves give them something to eat." They answered, "If we are to give them food, we must go and buy two hundred silver coins' worth of bread." But Jesus said, "You have some loaves: how many? Go and see." The disciples found out and said, "There are five loaves and two fish."
Then he told them to have the people sit down together in groups on the green grass. This they did in groups of hundreds and fifties. And Jesus took the five loaves and the two fish and, raising his eyes to heaven, he pronounced a blessing, broke the loaves and handed them to his disciples to distribute to the people. He also divided the two fish among them.
They all ate and everyone had enough. The disciples gathered up what was left and filled twelve baskets with broken pieces of bread and fish. Five thousand men had eaten there.

Commentary
The account of the miracle of the multiplication of loaves and fish is one that we will read many times this year. Many layers of meaning are found within it.
Notice, for example, that Jesus does not produce food for the multitudes out of thin air. Instead, He asks the disciples to give Him what they have. Admittedly they provide very little, just five loaves and two fish. But from what little they have to give, Jesus works a great miracle.
Never think that you have nothing to contribute in this life. The Lord is more than capable of making something wonderful out of whatever you have to offer, even if it seems like very little.

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January 9
Wednesday

Wednesday after Epiphany
Black Nazarene

First Reading: 1 Jn 4:11-18

Dear friends, if such has been the love of God, we, too, must love one another.
No one has ever seen God, but if we love one another, God lives in us, and his love comes to its perfection in us.
How may we know that we live in God and he in us? Because God has given us his Spirit.
We ourselves have seen and declare that the Father sent his Son to save the world. Those who confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God remains in them and they in God.
We have known the love of God and have believed in it. God is love. The one who lives in love, lives in God and God in him.
When do we know that we have reached a perfect love? When in this world, we are like him in everything, and expect with confidence the Day of Judgment.
There is no fear in love. Perfect love drives away fear, for fear has to do with punishment; those who fear do not know perfect love.

Responsorial Psalm:
Ps 72:1-2, 10, 12-13
Lord, every nation on earth will adore you.

Gospel Reading: Mk 6:45-52

After the five thousand men were satiated, Jesus obliged his disciples to get into the boat and go ahead of him to the other side, towards Bethsaida, while he himself sent the crowd away. And having sent the people off, he went by himself to the hillside to pray.
When evening came, the boat was far out on the lake while he was alone on the land. Jesus saw his disciples straining at the oars, for the wind was against them, and before daybreak he came to them walking on the lake; and he was going to pass them by.
When they saw him walking on the lake, they thought it was a ghost and cried out; for they all saw him and were terrified. But at once he called to them, "Courage! It's me; don't be afraid." Then Jesus got into the boat with them and the wind died down. They were completely astonished, for they had not really grasped the fact of the loaves; their minds were dull.

Commentary
The multiplication of loaves and fish is a Eucharistic miracle. It prefigures the moment when Jesus would take the bread, bless it, and give it to His disciples saying, "Take and eat, this is my body."
Notice that immediately after the miracle of the multiplication of loaves and fish we find an account of the Lord being present to His disciples in an hour of need. In a way, this too prefigures the Holy Eucharist, for through it, Jesus keeps His solemn promise, "Lo, I am with you always, even until the end of the age."
Jesus is never far from you. Take courage. Be not afraid.

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January 10
Thursday

Thursday after Epiphany

First Reading: 1 Jn 4:19-5:4

So let us love one another, since he loved us first.
If you say, "I love God," while you hate your brother or sister, you are a liar. How can you love God whom you do not see, if you do not love your brother whom you see? We received from him this commandment: let those who love God also love their brothers.
All those who believe that Jesus is the Anointed, are born of God; whoever loves the Father, loves the Son. How may we know that we love the children of God? If we love God and fulfill his commands, for God's love requires us to keep his commands. In fact, his commandments are not a burden because all those born of God overcome the world. And the victory which overcomes the world is our faith.

Responsorial Psalm:
Ps 72:1-2, 14 and 15bc, 17
Lord, every nation on earth will adore you.

Gospel Reading: Lk 4:14-22

Jesus acted with the power of the Spirit, and on his return to Galilee the news about him spread throughout all that territory. He began teaching in the synagogues of the Jews and everyone praised him.
When Jesus came to Nazareth where he had been brought up, he entered the synagogue on the Sabbath as he usually did. He stood up to read and they handed him the book of the prophet Isaiah.
Jesus then unrolled the scroll and found the place where it is written: "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me. He has anointed me to bring good news to the poor, to proclaim liberty to captives and new sight to the blind; to free the oppressed and announce the Lord's year of mercy."
Jesus then rolled up the scroll, gave it to the attendant and sat down, while the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. Then he said to them, "Today these prophetic words come true even as you listen."
All agreed with him and were lost in wonder, while he kept on speaking of the grace of God. Nevertheless they asked, "Who is this but Joseph's son?"

Commentary
In this moment in Jesus' life, He returns to his home town and enters the very synagogue He had attended since childhood. In the midst of His relatives and neighbors, He announces the beginning of the Kingdom of God.
From the quiet village of Nazareth would come the "son of the carpenter" who would forever change the world. His Kingdom would come not through the strength of a conquering army, but from the Spirit of the Lord resting upon Him.
With the Spirit of the Lord that rests upon you through your association with Jesus and the sacraments of the Church, may you be conscious of your ability and responsibility to make a positive difference in the lives of those closest to you.

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January 11
Friday

Friday after Epiphany

First Reading: 1 Jn 5:5-13

Who has overcome the world? The one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.
Jesus Christ was acknowledged through water, but also through blood.
Not only water but water and blood.
And the Spirit, too, witnesses to him for the Spirit is truth.
There are then three testimonies: the Spirit, the water and the blood, and these three witnesses agree.
If we accept human testimony, with greater reason must we accept that of God, given in favor of his Son. If you believe in the Son of God, you have God's testimony in you.
But those who do not believe make God a liar, since they do not believe his words when he witnesses to his Son.
What has God said? That he has granted us eternal life and this life is in his Son. The one who has the Son has life, the one who do not have the Son of God do not have life.
I write you, then, all these things that you may know that you have eternal life, all you who believe in the Name of the Son of God.

Responsorial Psalm:
Ps 147:12-13, 14-15, 19-20
Praise the Lord, Jerusalem.

Gospel Reading: Lk 5:12-16

One day in another town, a man came to Jesus covered with leprosy. On seeing him he bowed down to the ground, and said, "Lord, if you want to, you can make me clean."
Stretching out his hand, Jesus touched the man and said, "Yes, I want it. Be clean." In an instant the leprosy left him. Then Jesus instructed him, "Tell this to no one. But go and show yourself to the priest. Make an offering for your healing, as Moses prescribed; that should be a proof to the people."
But the news about Jesus spread all the more, and large crowds came to him to listen and be healed of their sickness. As for Jesus, he would often withdraw to solitary places and pray.

Commentary
Jesus withdraws to pray, and from that experience of communion with His Father, Jesus draws strength for His earthly ministry. Jesus earthly mission is accomplished precisely because He is so close to the will of His Father.
The discipline of setting aside time for quiet, personal prayer is indispensable if we are to fulfill our mission on earth. In quiet prayer can we step away from the distractions of our busy lives and become more attentive to the will of the Lord? By fidelity to regular, personal prayer can we find the strength and courage to follow the Lord, wherever He might lead?

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January 12
Saturday

Saturday after Epiphany

First Reading: 1 Jn 5:14-21

Through him we are fully confident that whatever we ask, according to his will, he will grant us. If we know that he hears us whenever we ask, we know that we already have what we asked of him.
If you see your brother committing sin, a sin which does not lead to death, pray for him, and God will give life to your brother. I speak, of course, of the sin which does not lead to death. There is also a sin that leads to death; I do not speak of praying about this. Every kind of wrongdoing is sin, but not all sin leads to death.
We know that those born of God do not sin, but the one who was born of God protects them and the evil one does not touch them.
We know that we belong to God, while the whole world lies in evil.
We know that the Son of God has come and has given us power to know the truth. We are in him who is true, his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.
My dear children, keep yourselves from idols.

Responsorial Psalm:
Ps 149:1-2, 3-4, 5-6a and 9b
The Lord takes delight in his people.

Gospel Reading: Jn 3:22-30

Jesus went into the territory of Judea with his disciples. He stayed there with them and baptized. John was also baptizing in Aenon near Salim where water was plentiful; people came to him and were baptized. This happened before John was put in prison.
Now John's disciples had been questioned by a Jew about spiritual cleansing, so they came to him and said, "Rabbi, the one who was with you across the Jordan, and about whom you spoke favorably, is now baptizing and all are going to him."
John answered, "No one can take on anything except what has been given him from heaven. You yourselves are my witnesses that I said: 'I am not the Christ but I have been sent before him.' Only the bridegroom has the bride; but the friend of the bridegroom stands by and listens, and rejoices to hear the bridegroom's voice. My joy is now full. It is necessary that he increase but that I decrease."

Commentary
John the Baptist uses the language of marriage to describe his relationship to Jesus. John is like the best man at a wedding, rejoicing at the union of bride and groom. Jesus is the bridegroom who takes the Church as His spouse. Jesus loves His bride with all of his heart, going so far as to die upon the cross to prove His love.
As members of the Church, we participate in this tremendous outpouring of the love of Jesus every time we are united with Him in the holy sacrifice of the Mass. Jesus gives us His Body and Blood so that we know beyond a shadow of a doubt that we are truly loved.

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January 13
Sunday

Baptism of the Lord

First Reading: Is 42:1-4, 6-7

Thus says the Lord,
"Here is my servant whom I uphold, my chosen one in whom I delight.
I have put my spirit upon him, and he will bring justice to the nations.
He does not shout or raise his voice, proclamations are not heard in the streets.
A broken reed he will not crush, nor will he snuff out the light of the wavering wick.
He will make justice appear in truth.
He will not waver or be broken until he has established justice on earth; the islands are waiting for his law.
I, Yahweh, have called you for the sake of justice; I will hold your hand to make you firm; I will make you as a covenant to the people, and as a light to the nations, to open eyes that do not see, to free captives from prison, to bring out to light those who sit in darkness.

Responsorial Psalm:
Ps 29:1-2, 3-4, 5, 9-10
The Lord will bless his people with peace.

Second Reading: Acts 10:34-38

Peter then spoke to the men, "Truly, I realize that God does not show partiality, but in all nations he listens to everyone who fears God and does good. And this is the message he has sent to the children of Israel, the good news of peace he has proclaimed through Jesus Christ, who is the Lord of all. No doubt you have heard of the event that occurred throughout the whole country of the Jews, beginning from Galilee, after the baptism John preached. You know how God anointed Jesus the Nazarean with Holy Spirit and power. He went about doing good and healing all who were under the devil's power, because God was with him."

Gospel Reading: Mt 3:13-17

At that time Jesus arrived from Galilee and came to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him. But John tried to prevent him, and said, "How is it you come to me: I should be baptized by you!"
But Jesus answered him, "Let it be like that for now that we may fulfill the right order." John agreed.
As soon as he was baptized, Jesus came up from the water. At once, the heavens opened and he saw the Spirit of God come down like a dove and rest upon him. At the same time a voice from heaven was heard, "This is my Son, the Beloved; he is my Chosen One."

Commentary
For thirty years Jesus lives simply in the quiet village of Nazareth, all the while preparing a public ministry that begins when He enters the waters of the river Jordan. Although He did not need to be baptized, Jesus associates Himself with the message of John the Baptist, "Reform your lives, the Kingdom of God is at hand."
At the Jordan River Jesus inaugurates a new way of life, the life that you and I have entered through the Sacrament of Baptism. May our keeping of the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord keep us faithful to following Jesus, who alone is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

January 14
Monday

1st Week in Ordinary Time

First Reading: 1 S 1:1-8

There was a man from Ramathaim, in the hills of Ephraim, whose name was Elkanah. He was son of Tohu, son of Jeroham, of the clan of Zuph. He had two wives, Hannah and Peninnah. Peninnah had children but Hannah had none.
Every year Elkanah went to worship and to sacrifice to Yahweh of hosts at Shiloh. The priests there were the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phineas. Whenever Elkanah offered sacrifice, he gave portions to his wife, Peninnah and to all her sons and daughters. To Hannah, however, he gave the more delightful portion because he loved her more, although she had no child. Yet Hannah's rival used to tease her for being barren.
So it happened every year when they went to Yahweh's house. Peninnah irritated Hannah and she would weep and refuse to eat. Once Elkanah, her husband, asked her, "Hannah, why do you weep instead of eating? Why are you sad? Are you not better off with me than with many sons?"

Responsorial Psalm:
Ps 116:12-13, 14-17, 18-19
To you, Lord, I will offer a sacrifice of praise.

Gospel Reading: Mk 1:14-20

After John was arrested, Jesus went into Galilee and began preaching the Good News of God. He said, "The time has come; the kingdom of God is at hand. Change your ways and believe the Good News."
As Jesus was walking along the shore of Lake Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net in the lake, for they were fishermen. And Jesus said to them, "Follow me, and I will make you fish for people." At once, they left their nets and followed him. Jesus went a little farther on and saw James and John, the sons of Zebedee; they were in their boat mending their nets. Immediately, Jesus called them and they followed him, leaving their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men.

Commentary
From their tranquil life upon the Sea of Galilee, Simon, Andrew, James and John entered into an adventure that would take them to the ends of the earth. They would experience a new way of life that they had never before imagined. They would walk with the Lord and learn first hand what it means to live the good life. And in teaching others about Jesus would they become "fishers of people" as the Lord had predicted.
May we never shrink from the Lord's call to leave our nets behind and follow Him. Such a choice can never leave us disappointed.

January 15
Tuesday

1st Week in Ordinary Time

First Reading: 1 S 1:9-20

After they had eaten and drunk in Shiloh, Hannah stood up not far from Eli, the priest: his seat was beside the doorpost of Yahweh's house. Deeply distressed she wept and prayed to Yahweh and made this vow, "O Yahweh of hosts, if only you will have compassion on your maidservant and give me a son, I will put him in your service for as long as he lives and no razor shall touch his head."
As she prayed before Yahweh, Eli observed the movement of her lips. Hannah was praying silently; she moved her lips but uttered no sound and Eli thought Hannah was drunk. He, therefore, said to her: "For how long will you be drunk? Let your drunkenness pass." But Hannah answered: "No, my lord, I am a woman in great distress, not drunk. I have not drunk wine or strong drink, but I am pouring out my soul before Yahweh. Do not take me for a bad woman. I was so afflicted that my prayer flowed continuously." Then Eli said, "Go in peace and may the God of Israel grant you what you asked for." Hannah answered, "Let your maidservant deserve your kindness." Then she left the temple and when she was at table, she seemed a different woman.
Elkanah rose early in the morning and worshiped before Yahweh with his wives. Then they went back home to Ramah. When Elkanah slept with his wife, Hannah, Yahweh took compassion on her, and she became pregnant. She gave birth to a son and called him Samuel because she said: "I have asked Yahweh to give him to me."

Responsorial Psalm:
1 S 2:1, 4-5, 6-7, 8abcd
My heart exults in the Lord, my Savior.

Gospel Reading: Mk 1:21-28

Jesus and his disciples went into the town of Capernaum and Jesus began to teach in the synagogue during the Sabbath assemblies. The people were astonished at the way he taught, for he spoke as one having authority and not like the teachers of the Law.
It happened that a man with an evil spirit was in their synagogue and he shouted, "What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are: You are the Holy One of God." Then Jesus faced him and said with authority, "Be silent and come out of this man!" The evil spirit shook the man violently and, with a loud shriek, came out of him.
All the people were astonished and they wondered, "What is this? With what authority he preaches! He even orders evil spirits and they obey him!" And Jesus' fame spread throughout all the country of Galilee.

Commentary
Why could Jesus speak with authority? Because He is the author of life! He teaches with great command because He has known the world since its beginning. He is the master of even evil spirits because He is the Lord of heaven and earth.
The authority of Jesus is revealed in His preaching and in His miracles. The multi-tudes begin to follow Him because He is not like all of the other teachers. He stands above them all in a category uniquely His own.
May we bend our knees to the authority of Jesus. And may we never hesitate to turn anything in our lives over to Him.

January 16
Wednesday

1st Week in Ordinary Time

First Reading: 1 S 3:1-10, 19-20

The boy Samuel ministered to Yahweh under Eli's care in a time in which the word of Yahweh was rarely heard; visions were not seen.
One night Eli was lying down in his room, half blind as he was. The lamp of God was still lighted and Samuel also lay in the house of Yahweh near the ark of God. Then Yahweh called, "Samuel! Samuel!" Samuel answered, "I am here!" and ran to Eli saying, "I am here, did you not call me?" But Eli said, "I did not call, go back to sleep." So he went and lay down.
Then Yahweh called again, "Samuel!" and Samuel stood up and went to Eli saying, "You called me; I am here." But Eli answered, "I did not call you, my son. Go back to sleep."
Samuel did not yet know Yahweh and the word of Yahweh had not yet been revealed to him. But Yahweh called Samuel for the third time and, as he went again to Eli saying, "I am here for you have called me," Eli realized that it was Yahweh calling the boy. So he said to Samuel, "Go, lie down, and if he calls you again, answer: "Speak, Yahweh, your servant listens."
Then Yahweh came and stood there calling as he did before, "Samuel! Samuel!" And Samuel answered, "Speak, for your servant listens."
Samuel grew; Yahweh was with him and made all his words become true. All Israel, from Dan to Beersheba, knew that Samuel was really Yahweh's prophet.

Responsorial Psalm:
Ps 40:2 and 5, 7-8a, 8b-9, 10
Here am I, Lord; I come to do your will.

Gospel Reading: Mk 1:29-39

As soon as Jesus and his disciples left the synagogue, Jesus went to the home of Simon and Andrew with James and John. As Simon's mother-in-law was sick in bed with fever, they immediately told him about her. Jesus went to her and taking her by the hand, raised her up. The fever left her and she began to wait on them. That evening at sundown, people brought to Jesus all the sick and those who had evil spirits: the whole town was pressing around the door. Jesus healed many who had various diseases, and drove out many demons; but he did not let them speak, for they knew who he was.
Very early in the morning, before daylight, Jesus went off to a lonely place where he prayed. Simon and the others went out, too, searching for him; and when they found him they said, "Everyone is looking for you." Then Jesus answered, "Let's go to the nearby villages so that I may preach there too; for that is why I came."
So Jesus set out to preach in all the synagogues throughout Galilee; he also cast out demons.

Commentary
Who are the demons that Jesus casts out? They are the spirits that are at odds with God's plan for the human race. They enter in and lead a person into attitudes and behaviors that corrupt and disfigure. They are evil, and they have no place in the Kingdom of God, nor do they have a place in any citizen of the Kingdom.
Jesus came to cast out demons, and He continues that ministry to this very day. Demons flee when we draw near to Him in prayer and in the sacraments. Demons might be powerful, but they are not all-powerful. Draw near the Lord and experience true freedom from anything that might harm you.

January 17
Thursday

1st Week in Ordinary Time
Anthony

First Reading: 1 S 4:1-11

At that time Samuel was a prophet of Israel. The Israelites went out to battle against the Philistines. They encamped at Ebenezer, while the Philistines encamped at Aphek. The Philistines then drew up in battle formation. They attacked Israel and after a fierce struggle, Israel was defeated, leaving about four thousand men dead on the battlefield. When the troops retreated to their camp, the elders of Israel asked, "Why has Yahweh allowed us to be defeated by the Philistines? Let us take the ark of God from Shiloh and bring it here so that Yahweh may be with us and save us from our enemies." So the people sent messengers to Shiloh to take the ark of Yahweh who is seated on the cherubim. Eli's two sons, Hophni and Phineas, accompanied the ark.
As soon as the ark of Yahweh entered the camp, the Israelites began to cheer so loudly that the earth resounded. The Philistines heard the shouting and asked, "What does this loud shout in the camp of the Hebrews mean?" And they were told that the ark of Yahweh had been brought to the camp.
The Philistines were overcome with fear. They exclaimed, "A god has come into the camp. Woe to us! For nothing like this has happened before. Woe to us! Who can save us from the power of these mighty gods? These are the gods who struck the Egyptians with all sorts of plagues-and in the desert. Take courage and conduct yourselves like men, O Philistines, lest you become slaves to the Hebrews the way they have been slaves to you. Be manly and fight."
So the Philistines fought and Israel was defeated. Everyone fled to his home. It was a disastrous defeat; thirty thousand foot soldiers of Israel were killed. The ark of God was captured and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phineas, were slain.

Responsorial Psalm:
Ps 44:10-11, 14-15, 24-25
Redeem us, Lord, because of your mercy.

Gospel Reading: Mk 1:40-45

A leper came to Jesus and begged him, "If you so will, you can make me clean." Moved with pity, Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him, saying, "I will; be clean." The leprosy left the man at once and he was made clean. As Jesus sent the man away, he sternly warned him, "Don't tell anyone about this, but go and show yourself to the priest and for the cleansing bring the offering ordered by Moses; in this way you will make your declaration."
However, as soon as the man went out, he began spreading the news everywhere, so that Jesus could no longer openly enter any town. But even though he stayed in the rural areas, people came to him from everywhere.

Commentary
The publicity that Jesus receives for His healing of the leper is not of His doing. Jesus did not seek the limelight nor did He crave attention. He humbly went about fulfilling His mission to preach and to cure, and His fame spread throughout the region.
Jesus desired only that His Father be given thanks for the cure of the leper. Jesus came to serve, and not to be served, to do not His own will but the will of His heavenly Father. His humility is exemplary.
When we do something good for another person, we should expect neither thanks nor remuneration. May we seek only that God be glorified in the good that we do.

January 18
Friday

1st Week in Ordinary Time

First Reading: 1 S 8:4-7, 10-22a

Because of this, all the chiefs of Israel gathered together and went to Samuel in Ramah. They said to him, "You are already old and your sons are not following your ways. Give us a king to rule over us as in all the other nations."
Samuel was very displeased with what they said, "Give us a king to rule us," and he prayed to Yahweh. And Yahweh told him, "Give to this people all that they ask for."
So Samuel answered those who were asking him for a king, and he told them all that Yahweh said to him, "Look, these will be the demands of your king: he will take your sons and assign them to his chariot and his horses and have them run before his chariot. Some he will assign as commanders over a thousand men and commanders over fifty. He will take your daughters as well to prepare perfumes, to cook and to bake for him, take the best of your fields, your vineyards and your olive orchards. He will take a tenth portion of your grain and of your vineyards, and give it to his officers and to his servants. He will take your menservants and maidservants, the best of your cattle and your asses for his own work. He will take the tenth of your flocks and you yourselves will become his slaves. When these things happen, you will cry out because of the king whom you have chosen for yourselves. But by then, Yahweh will not answer you."
The people paid no attention to all that Samuel said. They insisted, "No! We want a king to govern us as in all the other nations. Our king shall govern us, lead us and go ahead of us in our battles." Upon hearing all that his people said, Samuel repeated it to Yahweh. But Yahweh said to him, "Listen to them and give them a king." Samuel then said to the Israelites, "Go back, all of you, to your own cities."

Responsorial Psalm:
Ps 89:16-17, 18-19
For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.

Gospel Reading: Mk 2:1-12

Jesus returned to Capernaum. As the news spread that he was at home, so many people gathered that there was no longer room even outside the door. While Jesus was preaching the Word to them, some people brought a paralyzed man to him. The four men who carried him couldn't get near Jesus because of the crowd, so they opened the roof above the room where Jesus was and, through the hole, lowered the man on his mat. When Jesus saw the faith of these people, he said to the paralytic, "My son, your sins are forgiven."
Now, some teachers of the Law who were sitting there wondered within themselves, "How can he speak like this insulting God? Who can forgive sins except God?" At once Jesus knew through his spirit what they were thinking and asked, "Why do you wonder? Is it easier to say to this paralyzed man: 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say: 'Rise, take up your mat and walk?' But now you shall know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins." And he said to the paralytic, "Stand up, take up your mat and go home." The man rose and, in the sight of all those people, he took up his mat and went out. All of them were astonished and praised God saying, "We have never seen anything like this!"

Commentary
The four men who carried the paralytic are great illustrations of friendship, for they bring their friend to the Lord. True friendship seeks only the good of another. A true friend will never aid or abet another into sin.
False friends abound in this world of ours, and we should be wary of them. A true friend will only help us as we strive to get closer to the Lord and walk more faithfully in His ways.
Do you have any false friends? Do you seek out true friends as you walk the path of faith? Are you a good friend to others?

January 19
Saturday

1st Week in Ordinary Time

First Reading: 1 S 9:1-4, 17-19, 10:1

There was a man from the tribe of Benjamin whose name was Kish. He was the son of Abiel, son of Zeror, son of Becorath, son of Aphiah, a valiant Benjaminite. Kish had a son named Saul, a handsome young man who had no equal among the Israelites, for he was a head taller than any of them.
It happened that the asses of Kish were lost. So he said to his son Saul, "Take one of the boys with you and go look for the asses." ?They went all over the hill country of Ephraim and the land of Shalishah but did not find them. They passed through the land of Shaalim and the land of Benjamin, but the asses were nowhere to be found.
So, when Samuel saw Saul, Yahweh told him, "Here is the man I spoke to you about! He shall rule over my people."
Saul approached Samuel in the gateway and said, "Tell me, where is the house of the seer?" Samuel answered Saul, "I am the seer. Go up ahead of me to the high place, for today you shall eat with me. In the morning, before you leave, I will tell you all that is in your heart."
Then Samuel took a vial of oil and poured it on Saul's head. And kissing Saul, Samuel said, "Yahweh has anointed you to rule over and to lead his people Israel. And this will be Yahweh's sign to you that he has anointed you."

Responsorial Psalm:
Ps 21:2-3, 4-5, 6-7
Lord, in your strength the king is glad.

Gospel Reading: Mk 2:13-17

When Jesus went out again beside the lake, a crowd came to him and he taught them. As he walked along, he saw a tax collector sitting in his office. This was Levi, the son of Alpheus. Jesus said to him, "Follow me." And Levi got up and followed him.
And it so happened that while Jesus was eating in Levi's house, tax collectors and sinners were sitting with him and his disciples for there were indeed many of them. But there were also teachers of the Law of the Pharisees' party, among those who followed Jesus, and when they saw him eating with sinners and tax collectors, they said to his disciples, "Why! He eats with tax collectors and sinners!"
Jesus heard them and answered, "Healthy people don't need a doctor, but sick people do. I did not come to call the righteous but sinners."

Commentary
Levi (also known as Matthew) was not walking the straight and narrow. He was a tax collector, which in those days meant that he engaged in corrupt financial transactions. He was a public sinner.
Still, the Lord calls Levi to change his ways and to follow Him, for Jesus comes to rescue those who have fallen into patterns of sinfulness.
A daily examination of conscience keeps us mindful that we are among the sick who are in need of the healing of the Divine Physician. May we have the grace to pray on a daily basis the simple prayer, "Lord Jesus, have mercy upon me, a sinner."

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January 20
Sunday

2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time

First Reading: Isaiah 49:3, 5-6

He said to me, "You are Israel, my servant,
Through you I will be known."
And now Yahweh has spoken,
he who formed me in the womb to be his servant,
to bring Jacob back to him,
to gather Israel to him.
He said: "It is not enough
that you be my servant,
to restore the tribes of Jacob,
to bring back the remnant of Israel.
I will make you the light of the nations,
that my salvation will reach to the ends of the earth."

Responsorial Psalm:
Ps 97:1, 2-3, 3-4, 5-6
All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.

Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 1:1-3

From Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and from Sosthenes, our brother, to God's Church which is in Corinth; to you whom God has sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be holy, together with those who everywhere call upon the name of our Lord Christ Jesus, their Lord and ours.

Gospel Reading: John 1:29-34

The next day John saw Jesus coming towards him and said, "There is the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world. It is he of whom I said: A man comes after me who is already ahead of me, for he was before me. I myself did not know him, but I came baptizing to prepare for him, so that he might be revealed in Israel.
And John also gave this testimony, "I saw the Spirit coming down on him like a dove from heaven and resting on him. I myself did not know him but God who sent me to baptize told me: 'You will see the Spirit coming down and resting on the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.' Yes, I have seen! And I declare that this is the Chosen One of God."

Commentary
John the Baptist declares and the Church affirms Jesus to the Chosen One, the Messiah, the One in whom we can place all of our trust. Jesus is our Savior, our hope and our joy.
There is no task in life more noble than following the Lord. In our work and in our family life, may we serve the Lord. May we pray for the grace to stay focused on the Lord in our daily living. Fame, riches, fortune and glory might bring momentary delight, but true satisfaction in this life lies in giving God our very best, dedicating everything we say and do to His glory and honor.

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January 20
Sunday

Feast of the Santo Niño
(Proper: Philippines)

First Reading: Is 9:1-6

The people who walk in darkness have seen a great light. A light has dawned on those who live in the land of the shadow of death.
You have enlarged the nation; you have increased their joy. They rejoice before you, as people rejoice at harvest time as they rejoice in dividing the spoil.
For the yoke of their burden, the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressors, you have broken it as on the day of Midian.
Every warrior's boot that tramped in war, every cloak rolled in blood, will be thrown out for burning, will serve as fuel for the fire.
For a child is born to us, a son is given us; the royal ornament is laid upon his shoulder, and his name is proclaimed: "Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."
To the increase of his powerful rule in peace, there will be no end. Vast will be his dominion, he will reign on David's throne and over all his kingdom, to establish and uphold it with justice and righteousness from this time onward and forever.
The zealous love of Yahweh Sabaoth will do this.

Responsorial Psalm:
Ps 97:1, 2-3, 3-4, 5-6
All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.

Second Reading: Eph 1:3-6, 15-18

Blessed be God, the Father of Christ Jesus our Lord, who in Christ has blessed us from heaven with every spiritual blessing.
God chose us in Christ before the creation of the world to be holy and without sin in his presence.
From eternity he destined us in love to be his adopted sons and daughters through Christ Jesus, thus fulfilling his free and generous will.
This goal suited him: that his loving-kindness which he granted us in his Beloved might finally receive all glory and praise.
I have been told of your faith and your affection towards all the believers, so I always give thanks to God, remembering you in my prayers.
May the God of Christ Jesus our Lord, the Father of Glory, reveal himself to you and give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation, that you may know him.
May he enlighten your inner vision, that you may appreciate the things we hope for, since we were called by God.
May you know how great is the inheritance, the glory, God sets apart for his saints.

Gospel Reading: Mt 18:1-5, 10

At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked him, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?"
Then Jesus called a little child, set the child in the midst of the disciples, and said, "I assure you that unless you change and become like little children, you cannot enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever becomes lowly like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven, and whoever receives such a child in my name receives me.
See that you do not despise any of these little ones, for I tell you: their angels in heaven continually see the face of my heavenly Father."

Commentary
Jesus had always preached that unless we are child-like, we cannot enter the Kingdom of God. The Gospel is overflowing with passages considering us as children of the Father. And we Filipinos have always been fond of children-for they always evoke hope, joy, peace and love! Besides, one can only have a pure, innocent, contrite heart if one is a child.
Amidst the troubles plaguing the world, may we allow the "child" in us to rule our hearts and minds-so that in our own little, child-like ways, we can truly bear witness to the Gospel of the Son of the Father.

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January 21
Monday

2nd Week in Ordinary Time
Agnes

First Reading: 1 S 15:16-23

Samuel then told Saul, "Enough! Let me tell you what Yahweh said to me last night." Saul replied, "Please tell me. So Samuel went on and said, "Though you had no confidence in yourself, you became chief of the tribes of Israel, for Yahweh wanted to anoint you king over Israel. Then he sent you with this command, 'Go. Completely crush the Amalekite offenders, engaging them in battle until they are destroyed.' Why then did you not obey the voice of Yahweh but instead swooped down on the spoil, doing what was evil in his sight?" To this, Saul replied, "I have obeyed the voice of Yahweh and have carried out the mission for which he sent me. I have captured Agag, king of Amalek and completely destroyed the Amalekites. If my men spared the best sheep and oxen from among those to be destroyed, it was in order to sacrifice them to Yahweh, your God, in Gilgal." Samuel then said,
"Does Yahweh take as much delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obedience to his command? Obedience is better than sacrifice, and submission better than the fat of rams. Rebellion is like the sin of divination, and stubbornness like holding onto idols. Since you have rejected the word of Yahweh, he too has rejected you as king."

Responsorial Psalm:
Ps 50:8-9, 16bc-17, 21 and 23
To the upright I will show the saving power of God.

Gospel Reading: Mk 2:18-22

One day, when the disciples of John the Baptist and the Pharisees were fasting, some people asked Jesus, "Why is it that both the disciples of John and of the Pharisees fast, but yours do not?" Jesus answered, "How can the wedding guests fast while the bridegroom is with them? As long as they have the bridegroom with them, they cannot fast. But the day will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them and on that day they will fast.
"No one sews a piece of new cloth on an old coat, because the new patch will shrink and tear away from the old cloth, making a worse tear. And no one puts new wine into old wineskins, for the wine would burst the skins and then both the wine and the skins would be lost. But new wine, new skins!"

Commentary
Those who encountered Jesus during His earthly ministry experienced something entirely new. They had never seen or heard anything like Him, for He was inaugurating the new and everlasting covenant between God and man. Like the new wineskins needed for the new vintage, so too do we need a new heart in order to receive the Lord into our lives.
The grace of the Sacrament of Penance renews our hearts and makes them capable of drinking in the "new wine" of the covenant. May we never neglect to confess our sins regularly, so that we might be capable of the rich and abundant graces the Lord promises.

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January 22
Tuesday

2nd Week in Ordinary Time
Vincent

First Reading: 1 S 16:1-13

Yahweh asked Samuel, "How long will you be grieving over Saul whom I have rejected as king of Israel? Fill your horn with oil and be on your way to Jesse the Bethlehemite for I have chosen my king from among his sons."
Samuel asked, "How can I go? If Saul hears of this, he will kill me!" Yahweh replied, "Take a heifer with you and say, 'I have come to sacrifice to Yahweh.' Invite Jesse to the sacrifice and I will let you know what to do next. You shall anoint for me the one I point out to you."
Samuel did what Yahweh commanded and left for Bethlehem. When he appeared, the elders of the city came to him asking, fearfully, "Do you bring us peace?" Samuel replied, "I come in peace; I am here to sacrifice to Yahweh. Cleanse yourselves and join me in the sacrifice." He also had Jesse and his sons cleansed and invited them to the sacrifice.
As they came, Samuel looked at Eliab the older and thought, "This must be Yahweh's anointed." But Yahweh told Samuel, "Do not judge by his looks or his stature for I have rejected him. Yahweh does not judge as man judges; humans see with the eyes; Yahweh sees the heart."
Jesse called his son Abinadab and presented him to Samuel who said, "Yahweh has not chosen this one either." Jesse presented Shammah and Samuel said, "Nor has Yahweh chosen this one." Jesse presented seven of his sons to Samuel who said, "Yahweh has chosen none of them. But are all your sons here?" Jesse replied, "There is still the youngest, tending the flock just now." Samuel said to him, "Send for him and bring him to me; we shall not sit down to eat until he arrives." So Jesse sent for his youngest son and brought him to Samuel. He was a handsome lad with ruddy complexion and beautiful eyes. And Yahweh spoke, "Go, anoint him for he is the one." Samuel then took the horn of oil and anointed him in his brothers' presence. From that day onwards, Yahweh's Spirit took hold of David. Then Samuel left for Ramah.

Responsorial Psalm:
Ps 89:20, 21-22, 27-28
I have found David, my servant.

Gospel Reading: Mk 2:23-28

One sabbath he was walking through grainfields. As his disciples walked along with him, they began to pick the heads of grain and crush them in their hands. Then the Pharisees said to Jesus, "Look! they are doing what is forbidden on the sabbath!"
And he said to them, "Have you never read what David did in his time of need, when he and his men were very hungry? He went into the house of God when Abiathar was High Priest and ate the bread of offering, which only the priests are allowed to eat, and he also gave some to the men who were with him." Then Jesus said to them, "The sabbath was made for man, not man for the sabbath. So the Son of Man is master even of the sabbath."

Commentary
We call someone "pharisaical" if that person is overly concerned with petty things. Such a person usually is so focused upon minor transgressions that he or she fails to see the bigger picture, and misses seeing redeeming qualities about the person who is being criticized.
May God guard us against such pettiness! May we spend our time on the things in life that really matter, and not waste our time worrying about unimportant things. God gives us the gift of time, twenty four precious hours in every day. May we be good stewards of that important gift.

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January 23
Wednesday

2nd Week in Ordinary Time

First Reading: 1 S 17:32-33, 37, 40-51

David said to Saul, "Let no one be discouraged on account of this Philistine, for your servant will engage him in battle." Saul told David, "You cannot fight with this Philistine for you are still young, whereas this man has been a warrior from his youth." David continued, "Yahweh, who delivered me from the paws of lions and bears, will deliver me from the hands of the Philistine."
Saul then told David, "Go and may Yahweh be with you!"
David got rid of all this armor, ?took his staff, picked up five smooth stones from the brook and dropped them inside his shepherd's bag. And with his sling in hand, he drew near to the Philistine.
The Philistine moved forward, closing in on David, his shield-bearer in front of him. When he saw that David was only a lad, (he was of fresh complexion and handsome) he despised him. Cursing David by his gods, he continued, "Come and I will give your flesh to the birds of the sky and the beasts of the field!"
David answered, "You have come against me with sword, spear and javelin, but I come against you with Yahweh, the God of the armies of Israel whom you have defied. Yahweh will deliver you this day into my hands and I will strike you down and cut off your head. I will give the corpses of the Philistine army today to the birds of the sky and the wild beasts of the earth, and all the earth shall know that there is a God of Israel. All the people gathered here shall know that Yahweh saves not by sword or spear; and he will deliver you into our hands."
No sooner had the Philistine moved to attack him than David rushed to the battleground. Putting his hand into his bag, he took out a stone, slung it and struck the Philistine on the forehead; it penetrated his forehead and he fell on his face to the ground. David triumphed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone. He rushed forward, stood over him, took the Philistine's sword and slew him by cutting off his head.
When the Philistines saw that their champion was dead, they scattered in all directions.

Responsorial Psalm:
Ps 144:1b, 2, 9-10
Blessed be the Lord, my Rock!

Gospel Reading: Mk 3:1-6

Jesus entered the synagogue. A man who had a paralyzed hand was there and some people watched Jesus: Would he heal the man on the sabbath? If he did they could accuse him.
Jesus said to the man with the paralyzed hand, "Stand here in the center." Then he asked them, "What does the Law allow us to do on the sabbath? To do good or to do harm? To save life or to kill?" But they were silent.
Then Jesus looked around at them with anger and deep sadness because they had closed their minds. And he said to the man, "Stretch out your hand." He stretched it out and his hand was healed. But as soon as the Pharisees left, they met with Herod's supporters, looking for a way to destroy Jesus.

Commentary
And so the drama begins as the Pharisees look for a way to bring Jesus down. Wherever Jesus goes there will be those who seek to subvert His mission, for He is too much a threat to the prevailing order. With every word and deed, Jesus is a marked man.
Jesus would persevere with His mission right to the cross, all because of His un-quenchable thirst for accomplishing the will of His Father. Though He would pray in Gethsemane that the cup of suffering be taken away from Him, He would qualify that prayer with the phrase, "Thy will be done."
May that same phrase be always in our prayer.

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January 24
Thursday

2nd Week in Ordinary Time
Francis de Sales

First Reading: 1 S 18:6-9; 19:1-7

When they arrived after David had slain the Philistine, the women came out from the cities of Israel to meet King Saul singing and dancing with timbrels and musical instruments. They were merrily singing this song: "Saul has slain his thousands, and David, his tens of thousands."
Saul was very displeased with this song and said, "They have given tens of thousands to David but to me only thousands! By now he has everything but the kingdom!" From then on, Saul became very distrustful of David.
Saul told his son Jonathan and his servants of his intention to kill David. But Jonathan, who liked David very much, said to David, "My father Saul wants to kill you. Be on your guard tomorrow morning and hide yourself in a secret place. I will go out and keep my father company in the countryside where you are and I will speak to him about you. If I find out something, I will let you know." Jonathan spoke well of David to his father Saul and said, "Let not the king sin against his servant David for he has not sinned against you. On the contrary, what he has done has benefited you. He risked his life in killing the Philistine and Yahweh brought about a great victory for Israel. You yourself saw this and greatly rejoiced. Why then sin against innocent blood and kill David without cause?" Saul heeded Jonathan's plea and swore, "As Yahweh lives, he shall not be put to death." So Jonathan called David and told him all these things. He then brought him to Saul and David was back in Saul's service as before.

Responsorial Psalm:
Ps 56:2-3, 9-10a, 10b-11, 12-13
In God I trust; I shall not fear.

Gospel Reading: Mk 3:7-12

Jesus and his disciples withdrew to the lakeside and a large crowd from Galilee followed him. A great number of people also came from Judea, Jerusalem, Idumea, Transjordan and from the region of Tyre and Sidon, for they had heard of all that he was doing.
Because of the crowd, Jesus told his disciples to have a boat ready for him, to prevent the people from crushing him. He healed so many that all who had diseases kept pressing towards him to touch him. Even the people who had evil spirits, whenever they saw him, would fall down before him and cry out, "You are the Son of God." But he warned them sternly not to tell anyone who he was.

Commentary
Jesus' popularity signifies that He had something of great importance to offer the people of Israel. His words gave comfort to the soul and His touch healed the body.
A new creation was going on in the earthly ministry of Jesus. He was making all things new as he moved from village to village.
We participate in the new creation when we draw near to Jesus and allow Him into our lives. His words give meaning, purpose and direction in our lives. His touch through the sacraments brings about healing and rejuvenates the soul. Draw near to Him every day that you might have life, and have it to the full.

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January 25
Friday

Conversion of Paul

First Reading: Acts 22:3-16 (or Acts 9:1-22)

"I am a Jew, born in Tarsus in Cilicia, but brought up here in this city where I was educated in the school of Gamaliel, according to the strict observance of our Law. And I was dedicated to God's service, as are all of you today. As for this way, I persecuted it to the point of death and arrested its followers, both men and women, throwing them into prison.
"The High Priest and the whole Council of elders can bear witness to this. From them I received letters for the Jewish brothers in Damascus and I set out to arrest those who were there and bring them back to Jerusalem for punishment. But as I was traveling along, nearing Damascus, at about noon a great light from the sky suddenly flashed about me. ?I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me: 'Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?' ?I answered: 'Who are you, Lord?' And he said to me: 'I am Jesus the Nazarean whom you persecute.' The men who were with me saw the light, but they did not understand the voice of the one who was speaking to me. ?I asked: 'What shall I do, Lord?' And the Lord replied: 'Get up and go to Damascus; there you will be told all that you are destined to do.' Yet the brightness of that light had blinded me and so I was led by the hand into Damascus by my companions.
"There a certain Ananias came to me. He was a devout observer of the Law and well spoken of by all the Jews who were living there. As he stood by me, he said: 'Brother Saul, recover your sight.' At that moment I could see and I looked at him. He then said, 'The God of our ancestors has chosen you to know his will, to see the Just One and to hear the words from his mouth. From now on you shall be his witness before all the pagan peoples and tell them all that you have seen and heard. And now, why delay? Get up and be baptized and have your sins washed away by calling upon his Name.'"

Responsorial Psalm:
Ps 117:1bc, 2
Go out to all the world, and tell the Good News.

Gospel Reading: Mk 16:15-18

Jesus told his disciples, "Go out to the whole world and proclaim the Good News to all creation. The one who believes and is baptized will be saved; the one who refuses to believe will be condemned. Signs like these will accompany those who have believed: in my Name they will cast out demons and speak new languages; they will pick up snakes and, if they drink anything poisonous, they will be unharmed. They will lay their hands on the sick and they will be healed."

Commentary
Today's feast celebrates the life of St. Paul, the tireless missionary who brought the Good News even to the ends of the earth. He never ceased encouraging the nascent Church to be faithful to the Lord and to walk in His ways. His letters provide sound catechesis for every Christian and his life serves as a model for all who seek to follow Jesus.
St. Paul's conversion was the beginning of the end of his life, for his martyrdom was the logical consequence of his deep belief in the Lord. May we pray for the grace of ongoing conversion of heart, that we might grow stronger in our fidelity to Jesus.

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January 26
Saturday

2nd Week in Ordinary Time
Timothy and Titus

First Reading: 2 Tim 1:1-8 (or Tit 1:1-5)

From Paul, apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, for the sake of his promise of eternal life in Christ Jesus, to my dear son Timothy.
May grace, mercy and peace be with you from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
I give thanks to God whom I serve with a clear conscience the way my ancestors did, as I remember you constantly, day and night, in my prayers. I recall your tears and I long to see you that I may be filled with joy. I am reminded of your sincere faith, so like the faith of your grandmother Lois and of your mother Eunice, which I am sure you have inherited.
For this reason I invite you to fan into a flame the gift of God you received through the laying on of my hands. For God did not confer on us?a spirit of bashfulness, but of strength, love and good judgment. Do not be ashamed of testifying to our Lord, nor of seeing me in chains. On the contrary, do your share in laboring for the Gospel with the strength of God.

Responsorial Psalm:
Ps 96:1-2a, 2b-3, 7-8a, 10
Proclaim God's marvelous deeds to all the nations.

Gospel Reading: Lk 10:1-9

The Lord appointed seventy-two other disciples and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place, where he himself was to go. And he said to them, "The harvest is rich, but the workers are few. So you must ask the Lord of the harvest to send workers to his harvest. Courage! I am sending you like lambs among wolves. Set off without purse or bag or sandals; and do not stop at the homes of those you know.
"Whatever house you enter, first bless them saying: 'Peace to this house.' If a friend of peace lives there, the peace shall rest upon that person. But if not, the blessing will return to you. Stay in that house eating and drinking at their table, for the worker deserves to be paid. Do not move from house to house.
"When they welcome you in any town, eat what they offer you. Heal the sick who are there and say to them: 'The kingdom of God has drawn near to you.'"

Commentary
Jesus was deliberate in sending forth disciples to do His work. He is clear that His mission on earth will not be accomplished without accomplices, faithful disciples who will represent Him to others.
We are called to participate in the mission of Jesus by representing Him to others through word and deed. When we deal with other people we must do so with the mind of Christ, speaking to them as He would, with charity and compassion, treating them with dignity and fairness.
In so doing, we will build up the Kingdom of God.

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January 27
Sunday

3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

First Reading: Is 8:23-9:3

Yahweh has just afflicted the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali; but in the future he will confer glory on the way of the sea, on the land beyond the Jordan-the pagans' Galilee.
The people who walk in darkness
have seen a great light.
A light has dawned
on those who live in the land of the shadow of death.
You have enlarged the nation;
you have increased their joy.
They rejoice before you,
as people rejoice at harvest time
as they rejoice in dividing the spoil.
For the yoke of their burden,
the bar across their shoulders,
the rod of their oppressors,
you have broken it as on the day of Midian.

Responsorial Psalm:
Ps 27:1, 4, 13-14
The Lord is my light and my salvation.

Second Reading: 1 Cor 1:10-13, 17

I beg of you, brothers and sisters, in the name of Christ Jesus, our Lord, to agree among yourselves and do away with divisions; please be perfectly united, with one mind and one judgment.
For I heard from people of Cloe's house about your rivalries. What I mean is this: some say, "I am for Paul," and others: "I am for Apollo," or "I am for Peter," or "I am for Christ." Is Christ divided or have I, Paul, been crucified for you? Have you been baptized in the name of Paul?
For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to proclaim his Gospel. And not with beautiful words! That would be like getting rid of the cross of Christ.

Gospel Reading: Mt 4:12-17, 23-25

When Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew into Galilee. He left Nazareth and went to settle down in Capernaum, a town by the lake of Galilee, at the border of Zebulun and Naphtali.
In this way the word of the prophet Isaiah was fulfilled: Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali crossed by the Road of the Sea, and you who live by the Jordan, Galilee, land of pagans, listen: The people who lived in darkness have seen a great light; on those who live in the land of the shadow of death, a light has shone.
From that time on Jesus began to proclaim his message, "Change your ways: the kingdom of heaven is near."
Jesus went around all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the Kingdom, and curing all kinds of sickness and disease among the people.
The news about him spread through the whole of Syria, and the people brought all their sick to him, and all those who suffered: the possessed, the deranged, the paralyzed, and he healed them all. Large crowds followed him from Galilee and the Ten Cities, from Jerusalem, Judea, and from across the Jordan.

Commentary
We are called to live in the light of the Lord, to act as in daylight and not as creatures of the night. "Changing our ways" means putting aside anything that does not belong to the Lord and staying away from any activity or person who would lead us astray. The follower of Jesus must make concrete decisions every day to walk in the light and not in the darkness.
Those who continue to walk in darkness deceive themselves, for one day everything will be brought into the light and revealed for what it truly is. We are called to walk in the light. Please God so may it be.

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January 28
Monday

3rd Week in Ordinary Time
Thomas Aquinas

First Reading: 2 S 5:1-7, 10

?All the tribes of Israel came to David at Hebron and said, "We are your bone and flesh. In the past, when Saul was king over us, it was you who led Israel. And Yahweh said to you, 'You shall be the shepherd of my people Israel and you shall be commander over Israel." Before Yahweh, King David made an agreement with the elders of Israel who came to him at Hebron, and they anointed him king of Israel.
David was thirty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned for forty years: he reigned over Judah, from Hebron, seven and a half years; and over Israel and Judah, from Jerusalem, for thirty-three years.
The king and his men set out for Jerusalem to fight the Jebusites who lived there. They said to David, "If you try to break in here, the blind and the lame will drive you away," which meant that David could not get in. Yet David captured the fortress of Zion that became the "city of David."
And David grew more powerful, for Yahweh, the God of hosts, was with him.

Responsorial Psalm:
Ps 89:20, 21-22, 25-26
My faithfulness and my mercy shall be with him.

Gospel Reading: Mk 3:22-30

The teachers of the Law who had come from Jerusalem said, "He is in the power of Beelzebul: the chief of the demons helps him to drive out demons."
Jesus called them to him and began teaching them by means of stories or parables, "How can Satan drive out Satan? If a nation is divided by civil war, that nation cannot stand. If a family divides itself into groups, that family will not survive. In the same way, if Satan has risen against himself and is divided, he will not stand; he is finished. No one can break into the house of the Strong one in order to plunder his goods, unless he first ties up the Strong one. Then indeed, he can plunder his house.
"Truly, I say to you, every sin will be forgiven humankind, even insults to God, however numerous. But whoever slanders the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven: he carries the guilt of his sin forever."
This was their sin when they said, "He has an evil spirit in him."

Commentary
Our belief in Jesus is not a matter for Sunday morning only, nor are there parts of our lives that we can exempt from our faith. We are called to love the Lord with all of our heart, mind, soul, and strength. All. Not part.
A person with divided loyalties is not at peace and will not bear much fruit. Such a person suffers from a lack of integration of faith into his or her life.
May we take advantage of the opportunity this day to repent of our sins, and to renew our allegiance to the Lord. May we find our peace in serving the Lord with an undivided heart.

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January 29
Tuesday

3rd Week in Ordinary Time

First Reading: 2 S 6:12b-15, 17-19

King David was told that Yahweh had blessed the family of Obededom and all that belonged to him because of the ark of God, so he went to bring up the ark of God from the house of Obededom to the city of David, rejoicing. After those who carried the ark of Yahweh had walked six paces, they sacrificed an ox and a fattened calf.
David whirled round dancing with all his heart before Yahweh, wearing a linen ephod, for he and all the Israelites brought up the ark of Yahweh, shouting joyfully and sounding the horn.
They brought in the ark of Yahweh and laid it in its place in the tent which David had pitched for it. Then David offered burnt and peace offerings before Yahweh. ?Once the offerings had been made, David blessed the people in the name of Yahweh of hosts, and distributed to each of them, to each man and woman of the entire assembly of Israel, a loaf of bread, a portion of meat and a raisin cake. With this, all the people left for their homes.

Responsorial Psalm:
Ps 24:7, 8, 9, 10
Who is this king of glory? It is the Lord!

Gospel Reading: Mk 3:31-35

Jesus' mother and brothers came. As they stood outside, they sent someone to call him. The crowd sitting around Jesus told him, "Your mother and your brothers are outside asking for you." He replied, "Who are my mother and my brothers?"
And looking around at those who sat there he said, "Here are my mother and my brothers. Whoever does the will of God is brother and sister and mother to me."

Commentary
Jesus shows no lack of respect for His Blessed Mother in today's Gospel passage. Instead, he affirms Mary as a role model for each of us. She welcomed the Word of God into her heart and so accomplished His will. What she did uniquely we can each do by attentiveness to the Word of God by reading the Bible on a daily basis, and by putting that Word into practice in our daily living.
How blessed is the one who is so close to Jesus as to be considered part of His family.

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January 30
Wednesday

3rd Week in Ordinary Time

First Reading: 2 S 7:4-17

That very night, Yahweh's word came to Nathan, "Go and tell my servant David, this is what Yahweh says: Are you able to build a house for me to live in? I have not dwelt in a house since I brought the Israelites up from Egypt to the present day, but I went about with a tent for shelter. As long as I walked with the Israelites, did I say anything to the chiefs of Israel whom I commanded to shepherd my people Israel? Did I say: Why have you not built me a house of cedar?
Now you will tell my servant David, this is what Yahweh of hosts says: I took you from the pasture, from tending the sheep, to make you commander of my people Israel. I have been with you wherever you went, cutting down all your enemies before you. Now I will make your name great as the name of the great ones on earth. ?I will provide a place for my people Israel and plant them that they may live there in peace. They shall no longer be harassed, nor shall wicked men oppress them as before. From the time when I appointed judges over my people Israel it is only to you that I have given rest from all your enemies. Yahweh also tells you that he will build you a house.
When the time comes for you to rest with your ancestors, I will raise up your son after you, the one born of you and I will make his reign secure. He shall build a house for my name and I will firmly establish his kingship forever. ?I will be a father to him and he shall be my son. If he does wrong, I will punish him with the rod, as men do. But I will not withdraw my kindness from him as I did from Saul when I removed him out of your way. Your house and your reign shall last forever before me, and your throne shall be forever firm."
Nathan repeated these words and related this vision to David.

Responsorial Psalm:
Ps 89:4-5, 27-28, 29-30
For ever I will maintain my love for my servant.

Gospel Reading: Mk 4:1-20

Again Jesus began to teach by the lake, but such a large crowd gathered about him that he got into a boat and sat in it on the lake while the crowd stood on the shore. He taught them many things through stories or parables. In his teaching he said, "Listen! The sower went out to sow. As he sowed, some of the seed fell along a path and the birds came and ate it up. Some of the seed fell on rocky ground where it had little soil; it sprang up immediately because it had no depth; but when the sun rose and burned it, it withered because it had no roots. Other seed fell among thorn bushes and the thorns grew and choked it, so it didn't produce any grain. But some seed fell on good soil, grew and increased and yielded grain; some produced thirty times as much, others sixty and others one hundred times as much." And Jesus added, "Listen then, if you have ears."
When the crowd went away, some who were around him with the Twelve asked about the parables.
He answered them, "The mystery of the kingdom of God has been given to you. But for those outside, everything comes in parables, so that the more they see, they don't perceive; the more they hear, they don't understand; otherwise they would be converted and pardoned."
Jesus said to them, "Don't you understand this parable? How then will you understand any of the parables?
What the sower is sowing is the word. Those along the path where the seed fell are people who hear the word, but as soon as they do, Satan comes and takes away the word that was sown in them.
Other people receive the word like rocky ground. As soon as they hear the word, they accept it with joy, but they have no roots so it lasts only a little while. No sooner does trouble or persecution come because of the word, than they fall.
Others receive the seed as among thorns. After they hear the word, they are caught up in the worries of this life, false hopes of riches and other desires. All these come in and choke the word so that finally it produces nothing.
"And there are others who receive the word as good soil. They hear the word, take it to heart and produce: some thirty, some sixty and some one hundred times as much."

Commentary
Notice that there is no middle ground in the parable of the seeds. Either the seeds find good ground and produce abundantly, or else they produce nothing. Either we take the Word of God to heart and bear fruit or else we bear no fruit at all.
Taking the Word of God to heart means truly listening to a passage from the Bible and asking the question, "How does this apply to me?" Once that question is asked, a window of opportunity for God's grace is opened. The Word of God can start to penetrate the heart, and take root. Once rooted in the good soil of the heart, it will bear much fruit. The Lord promises nothing less.

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January 31
Thursday

3rd Week in Ordinary Time
Juan Bosco

First Reading: 2 S 7:18-19, 24-29

Then King David went in, sat before Yahweh and said, "Who am I, O Yahweh God, and who is my family that you have brought me so far? Yet this was not enough for you, O Yahweh God, for you have also spoken of your servant's house for a long time to come. Is this the way men act, O Yahweh God?
"You have set apart your people Israel to become your people forever; and you, Yahweh, have become their God.
"Now, O Yahweh God, keep forever the promise you made and have now revealed to me regarding myself and my family, that your name may be honored forever and people may say, 'Yahweh of hosts is God over Israel.' The house of your servant David will be secure before you because you, O Yahweh of hosts, God of Israel, have made it known to your servant and have said to him: 'Your family will last forever.' This is why I have dared to address this prayer to you.
"So now, O Yahweh God, since you are the faithful God, and have promised me this good thing, please bless my descendants, that they may continue forever before you. For you, O Yahweh God, have spoken and, with your blessing, my family shall be blessed forever."

Responsorial Psalm:
Ps 132:1-2, 3-5, 11, 12, 13-14
The Lord God will give him the throne of David, his father.

Gospel Reading: Mk 4:21-25

Jesus said to his disciples, "When the light comes, is it to be put under a tub or a bed? Surely it is put on a lampstand. Whatever is hidden will be disclosed, and whatever is kept secret will be brought to light. Listen then, if you have ears!"
And he also said to them, "Pay attention to what you hear. In the measure you give, so shall you receive and still more will be given to you. For to the one who produces something, more will be given, and from him who does not produce anything, even what he has will be taken away from him."

Commentary
We have been enlightened by the wisdom of the Gospel, we have been made children of the light through Baptism. Jesus calls us the light of the world. The light that we have been given is meant to be shared by living a virtuous life and by expressing our faith in word and deed. Sharing the light does not diminish us in any way, but instead brings us countless blessings.
We have been given so much. May we be faithful stewards of the light of Christ that has been entrusted to us, keeping the light burning brightly and allowing it to shine before all.

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