Mass Readings For January 16, 2021 – Saturday

Saturday of the First Week in Ordinary Time

First Reading – Hebrews 4:12-16

The word of God is living and effective,
sharper than any two-edged sword,
penetrating even between soul and spirit,
joints and marrow,
and able to discern reflections and thoughts of the heart.
No creature is concealed from him,
but everything is naked and exposed to the eyes of him
to whom we must render an account.

Since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens,
Jesus, the Son of God,
let us hold fast to our confession.
For we do not have a high priest
who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses,
but one who has similarly been tested in every way,
yet without sin.
So let us confidently approach the throne of grace
to receive mercy and to find grace for timely help.

 

Responsorial Psalm – Psalms 19:8, 9, 10, 15

R.    (see John 6:63c)  Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life.
The law of the LORD is perfect,
refreshing the soul;
The decree of the LORD is trustworthy,
giving wisdom to the simple.
R.    Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life.
The precepts of the LORD are right,
rejoicing the heart;
The command of the LORD is clear,
enlightening the eye.
R.    Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life.
The fear of the LORD is pure,
enduring forever;
The ordinances of the LORD are true,
all of them just.
R.    Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life.
Let the words of my mouth and the thought of my heart
find favor before you,
O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.
R.    Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life.

 

Alleluia – Luke 4:18

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
The Lord sent me to bring glad tidings to the poor
and to proclaim liberty to captives.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

 

Gospel – Mark 2:13-17

Jesus went out along the sea.
All the crowd came to him and he taught them.
As he passed by, he saw Levi, son of Alphaeus,
sitting at the customs post.
Jesus said to him, “Follow me.”
And he got up and followed Jesus.
While he was at table in his house,
many tax collectors and sinners sat with Jesus and his disciples;
for there were many who followed him.
Some scribes who were Pharisees saw that Jesus was eating with sinners
and tax collectors and said to his disciples,
“Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?”
Jesus heard this and said to them,
“Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do.
I did not come to call the righteous but sinners.”

 

If you are unable to physically receive Holy Communion, especially if Holy Mass in your area remains inaccessible or restricted, or if you are in isolation or under lockdown in the midst of this pandemic, make a solemn recitation of this Prayer for Spiritual Communion by Saint Alphonsus Maria de Liguori.

 

Reflection: The Three Wise Men and Our Own Journey

The Epiphany Sunday Gospel recounts the journey to Bethlehem of the Three Magi in search of the Child. In this 2018 Post, My Reflection outlines some simple, relevant lessons that the Three Kings narrative imparts for our own spiritual journey.

 

Greetings to all our dear Readers in every corner of the world—especially those in the Philippines (my Homeland), the United States, Canada, India, the United Kingdom, Australia, Nigeria, China, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Africa, Ireland, Saudi Arabia, Germany, France and the United Arab Emirates, where majority of our loyal Readers are from! My 2020 Reflection is different given that social distancing and lockdowns continue across the globe. It shows that despite the ongoing situation, the Gospel for Christmas is even more relevant to us Catholics. This Post also includes what my busy ‘social life’ during this pandemic has made me realize personally and spiritually.
The Best Catholic

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