This week’s Gospel message for Sunday, January 29th is Matthew 5:1-12a.
“When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain, and after he had sat down, his disciples came to him. He began to teach them, saying: ‘Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the land. Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the clean of heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.’”
Reflection: “The Beatitudes can turn us back to living right. Poverty of spirit and meekness, righteousness and mercy, peacemaking and purity of heart can do this by shifting the focus away from ourselves and onto others. Empathy teaches us to show mercy, to make peace, to work for justice, to be humble. The kingdom of heaven awaits those who are empathetic.” SOURCE: Pastoral Patterns, Winter 2022-2023
DAILY READINGS FOR THE WEEK
Monday Hebrews 11:32-40; Mark 5:1-20
Tuesday Hebrews 12:1-4; Mark 5:21-43
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.
Wednesday Hebrews 12:4-7, 11-15; Mark 6:1-6
Thursday 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.
Friday Hebrews 13:1-8; Mark 6:14-29
Saturday Hebrews 13:15-17, 20-21; Mark 6:30-34
SOURCE: Living With Christ, January 2023 and February 2023