January 13
Wednesday of the First Week in Ordinary Time
First Reading
Hebrews 2:14-18
Since the children share in blood and Flesh,
Jesus likewise shared in them,
that through death he might destroy the one
who has the power of death, that is, the Devil,
and free those who through fear of death
had been subject to slavery all their life.
Surely he did not help angels
but rather the descendants of Abraham;
therefore, he had to become like his brothers and sisters in every way,
that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest before God
to expiate the sins of the people.
Because he himself was tested through what he suffered,
he is able to help those who are being tested.
Responsorial Psalm
Psalms 105:1-2, 3-4, 6-7, 8-9
R. (8a) The Lord remembers his covenant for ever.
Give thanks to the LORD, invoke his name;
make known among the nations his deeds.
Sing to him, sing his praise,
proclaim all his wondrous deeds.
R. (8a) The Lord remembers his covenant for ever.
Glory in his holy name;
rejoice, O hearts that seek the LORD!
Look to the LORD in his strength;
seek to serve him constantly.
R. (8a) The Lord remembers his covenant for ever.
You descendants of Abraham, his servants,
sons of Jacob, his chosen ones!
He, the LORD, is our God;
throughout the earth his judgments prevail.
R. (8a) The Lord remembers his covenant for ever.
He remembers forever his covenant
which he made binding for a thousand generations--
Which he entered into with Abraham
and by his oath to Isaac.
R. (8a) The Lord remembers his covenant for ever.
Alleluia
John 10:27
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
My sheep hear my voice, says the Lord.
I know them, and they follow me.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Gospel
Mark 1:29-39
On leaving the synagogue Jesus entered the house of Simon and Andrew with James and John. Simon’s mother-in-law lay sick with a fever. They immediately told him about her. He approached, grasped her hand, and helped her up. Then the fever left her and she waited on them.
When it was evening, after sunset, they brought to him all who were ill or possessed by demons. The whole town was gathered at the door. He cured many who were sick with various diseases, and he drove out many demons, not permitting them to speak because they knew him.
Rising very early before dawn, he left and went off to a deserted place, where he prayed. Simon and those who were with him pursued him and on finding him said, “Everyone is looking for you.” He told them, “Let us go on to the nearby villages that I may preach there also. For this purpose have I come.” So he went into their synagogues, preaching and driving out demons throughout the whole of Galilee.
Give a Mass Offering
Prayer for Spiritual Communion
My Jesus, I believe that you are present in the most Blessed Sacrament. I love You above all things and I desire to receive You into my soul. Since I cannot now receive You sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. I embrace You as if You were already there, and unite myself wholly to You. Never permit me to be separated from You. Amen.
“The Lord remembers his covenant for ever.”
Readings & Reflection
What is your purpose? Have you ever asked yourself that question about your life? We often wonder what our purpose in life and question, what we must do to grow closer to God. As I reflect on this question myself, I am drawn to an old quote from the Baltimore Catechism. Why did God create me? The answer to this in the Baltimore Catechism reads, “to know Him, to love Him, serve Him, and be happy with Him forever in heaven.” Although the times of the Catechism have passed, they are rather simple yet profound answers to be able to reflect upon. As we reflected yesterday, we are called to know Christ and go deeper in our relationship with God each day. This season of Ordinary Time allows us to do just that. In today’s gospel, Christ went out early to pray. This allowed Him to not be distracted and just be with His Father. You and I are called to do the same. Find time to pray today and take some time before God in silence and listen to Him so you can continue to find the path He has chosen for you.
Fr Matt Rawson
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