This week’s Gospel message for Sunday, January 21st is from Mark 1:14-20.
As he passed by the Sea of Galilee, [Jesus] saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting their nets into the sea; they were fishermen. Jesus said to them, “Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Then they abandoned their nets and followed him. He walked along a little farther and saw James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John. They too were in a boat mending their nets. Then he called them. So they left their father Zebedee in the boat along with the hired men and followed him.
Reflection
“Note that Jesus did not tell the pairs of brothers that they had to study him for a good long time and pass a test before they could go out and fish for more disciples. He told them that all they had to do was follow and he would make them fishers of others. We need not be nervous about first becoming qualified enough to reach out to others. As long as we sincerely follow him, we can invite others to follow as well.” SOURCE: Pastoral Patterns, Winter 2023-2024
DAILY READINGS FOR THE WEEK
Monday 2 Samuel 5:1-7, 10; Mark 3:22-30
Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children – “Among the vulnerable for whom the Church wishes to care with particular love and concern are unborn children, the most defenseless and innocent among us.” (Pope Francis)
Tuesday 2 Samuel 6:12b-15, 17-19; Mark 3:31-35
Wednesday 2 Samuel 7:4-17; Mark 4:1-20
Saint Francis de Sales, Bishop and Doctor of the Church (Memorial) – After earning doctorates in canon and civil law, Francis rejected a civil career to enter religious life. Ordained and named bishop of Geneva, he was a principal leader of the Catholic Reformation. Together with St. Jane Frances de Chantal, he founded the Order of the Visitation of Holy Mary.
Thursday Acts of the Apostles 22:3-16; Mark 16:15-18
The Conversion of Saint Paul the Apostle (Feast) – Paul’s conversion was a turning point in the history of the early Church. It was cause for celebration that a persecutor became a follower of Christ and later a teacher of the nations.
Friday 2 Timothy 1:1-8; Mark 4:26-34
Saints Timothy and Titus, Bishops (Memorial) – These two men were disciples of St. Paul, and Paul’s letters to them are part of the New Testament. Each worked with Paul and became a leader of a Pauline community: Timothy, bishop of Ephesus, and Titus, bishop of Crete. It is believed that Timothy was stoned to death, while Titus died of old age.
Saturday 2 Samuel 12:1-7a, 10-17; Mark 4:35-41
SOURCE: Living With Christ, January 2024