This week’s Gospel message for Sunday, January 30th is from Luke 4:21-30.
“Jesus began speaking in the synagogue, saying: ‘Today this Scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing.’ And all spoke highly of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his mouth. . .And he said, ‘Amen, I say to you, no prophet is accepted in his own native place’ . . . When the people in the synagogue heard this, they were all filled with fury.”
“Luke consistently emphasizes that Jesus was sent to outsiders and was sent to show mercy. Jesus’ own people failed to appreciate this.” SOURCE: Pastoral Patterns, Winter 2021-2022
DAILY READINGS FOR THE WEEK
Monday 2 Samuel 15:13-14, 30; 16:5-13; Mark 5:1-20
Saint John Bosco, Priest (Memorial) – Born in Italy, seeing the fate of children in prison, he formed the Salesian Society, named after St. Francis de Sales, and taught poor and working class boys wherever there was a need. With the help of St. Mary Mazzarello, he also established the Salesian Sisters to do similar work among girls.
Tuesday 2 Samuel 18:9-10,14b,24-25a,30—19:3; Mark 5:21-43
Wednesday Malachi 3:1-4; Hebrews 2:14-18; Luke 2:22-40
The Presentation of the Lord (Feast) – According to Mosaic Law, a new mother was ritually “unclean” for 40 days after giving birth. She then entered the temple with her child, bringing a sacrificial offering, to be cleansed by prayers. The Feast of the Presentation began in fourth-century Jerusalem and was soon celebrated in Rome. In the Middle Ages, the feast was called Candlemas and celebrated with a candle blessing and procession.
Thursday 1 Kings 2:1-4, 1-12; Mark 6:7-13
Friday Sirach 47:2-11; Mark 6:14-29
Saturday 1 Kings 3:4-13; Mark 6:30-34
Saint Agatha, Virgin and Martyr (Memorial) – Although what we know about Agatha is mostly legend, we do know that she died in Sicily during the Decian persecution (249-251). It is alleged that she was sent to a brothel to force her to give up her faith. When this failed, she was tortured and died in prison. Her intervention was credited with stilling the eruption of Mount Etna the year after her burial, and people began to ask her for protection against fire.
SOURCE: Living With Christ, January 2022 and February 2022