Monthly Archives: January 2025

CARRIED BY FRIENDS Hebrews 4:1-5, 11; Psalm 77; Mark 2:1-12 Like the friends of the paralytic, we must make every effort to bring our friends, unbelievers, and those who are spiritually paralyzed to Jesus.  Some may ask, “Why do Catholics baptize infants when they cannot express their faith or be responsible for it?” Today’s Gospel […]

Divine Authority Hebrews 2:5-12; Psalm 8; Mark 1:21-28 In Capernaum, the epicenter of Galilee’s dominant system, on the Sabbath day, Jesus begins his teaching ministry in the synagogue. The gospel states that “He taught them as one who had authority”.  Authority is the power or right to give orders, make decisions, and enforce obedience. By […]

Repentance and Discipleship Hebrews 1:1-6; Psalm 96; Mark 1:14-20 After John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent, and believe in the gospel.” Repentance is a profound internal shift and a decisive turning point. It’s not […]

HUMILITY 1 John 5:14-21/ Psalms 149:1-2, 3-4, 5-6/ John 3:22-30 “He must increase, but I must decrease.” Humility stems from understanding who God is and who we are. The Bible describes humility as meekness, lowliness, and absence of self.  An Author says “Humility is not thinking less of one’s self, rather, thinking of oneself less […]

  FROM SIN TO SALVATION 1 John 5:5-13/Psalms 147:12-13, 14-15, 19-20/Luke 5:12-16 Today’s readings invite us to reflect on the healing power of Jesus and the importance of seeking salvation. In the Gospel reading (Luke 5:12-16), we hear the story of a man suffering from leprosy, a disease that separated him from others. Similarly, sin […]

Expressing the Mission of Christ 1 John 4:19–5:4/ Psalms 72:1-2, 14 /Luke 4:14-22 In Luke 4:14-22, Jesus defines his mission in his hometown of Nazareth, saying: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the […]

Overcoming Fear  1 John 4:11-18/ Psalms 72:1-2, 10, 12-13/ Mark 6:45-52 In the Gospel of Mark, we witness Jesus calming the storm. The disciples, tossed about by the raging sea, are terrified. But Jesus, ever present and compassionate, steps in and says, “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.” These words, “Do not […]

The Miraculous Effect of Compassion 1 John 4:7-10 / Psalms 72:1-2, 3-4, 7-8 / Mark 6:34-44 “Jesus saw a great crowd, and he had compassion for them.” In another scene, Jesus says, “Be compassionate as my heavenly Father is compassionate.” Today’s Gospel not only draws our minds to the miracle of the multiplication of loaves […]

COME AND SEE 1 John 3: 7-10/Ps. 97/John 1:35-42 John 1:35-42 narrates the call of the first disciples of Jesus Christ. The gospel says they followed Jesus from the very moment John pointed out the Lamb of God to them. We too should follow Jesus from the very moment of encounter.  Again, the gospel says […]