Baptism into the Death and Resurrection of the Lord
Scripture Readings
Micah 7:18-19 Psalm 51:1, 7, 10, 12 Matthew 28:16-20
Patristic Readings
From the Greek tradition
Such is the power of faith in Christ, such the excess of his grace: As the element of fire, when it meets with ore from the mine, straightway of earth makes it gold, even so and much more baptism makes those who are washed to be of gold instead of clay. The Spirit at that time falling like fire into our souls, burning up the “image of the earthy”, and producing “the image of the heavenly,” fresh coined, bright and glittering, as from the furnace-mould.
–John Chrysostom [c. 350-407], Homily on the Gospel of John, X:2
For reflection:
Christians are baptised into the death and resurrection of Christ. What does your baptism mean to you today?
Sin disfigures us in various ways. Through baptism, God liberates us from this humiliation.
In spite of different church traditions and practices, how does confessing “one Lord, one faith, one baptism” (Eph. 4:5) affect our relationships with other Christians?
Prayer
R/ We thank you, O Lord, and bless your name!
For having called us to faith in baptism, for the communion we share in the New Covenant, for your presence in the holy Church. R/
For the witness of persecuted Christians, for the suffering of their martyrdom, for their participation in Christ’s passion. R/
For all servants of communion, for those who pray and work for the reconciliation of churches, for those who offer their lives for unity. R/
Let us pray.
God our Father, we praise you and bless your name.
Accept our thanksgiving for the unity Christians already enjoy in the confession of Jesus the Lord.
Hasten the day, we beg you, of the full mutual recognition of our churches in the communion that you desire, and for which your Son prayed. We ask this in the power of the Holy Spirit. AMEN.
Alternative Patristic Readings
From the Syriac tradition
The Son of God descended from heaven, became man and from the abyss raised you, so that you would became a son for God. He became your brother in the womb full of holiness and made you his brother in the womb of baptism. … A son for God he made you, with him, in the water so that he who is the Only Begotten acquires brothers through the second birth. For he himself by a second birth became man, by that second generation he made you a son for God.
–Jacob of Sarug [c. 451-521], Discourse 10
From the Latin tradition
Man, you dared not lift up your face towards heaven, you turned your eyes towards the earth, and suddenly you received the grace of Christ … Lift up, therefore, your eyes to the Father, who has begotten you
through baptism, to the Father who has redeemed you through the Son, and say, “Our Father!” –Ambrose of Milan [c. 337-397], The Sacraments, V:19
Alternative Canadian Readings
Baptism assures us that we belong to God. In life and in death our greatest comfort is that we belong to our faithful Saviour Jesus Christ.[1]
DAY OF PRAYER FOR THE LEGAL PROTECTION OF UNBORN CHILDREN (USA MEMORIAL) [Link below]
Greetings and blessings, beloved family. Happy Wednesday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time!
Today is a Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children (USA Memorial) and day seven of the novena for the protection of human life. Today is day five of the week of prayer for Christian Unity. As we continue this year’s week of prayer for Christian Unity, and novena for life, we join our brothers and sisters in Christ around the world in praying for the safety, well-being and protection of the life of every human person, from conception to natural death and for peace, love, justice and unity in our divided and conflicted world so we can better build God’s Kingdom here on earth.
We pray for God’s grace and mercy upon us through this Ordinary Time, and may the Lord grant us the grace to serve Him in spirit and in truth🙏
WEEK OF PRAYER FOR CHRISTIAN UNITY 2025: Started Saturday, January 18, 2024 and ends Saturday, January 25, 2025 [Reflections and Prayer links below]
9 DAYS FOR LIFE: PRAY TO PROTECT HUMAN LIFE 9 Days for Life is a novena for the protection of human life. January 16-24, 2025 [Prayer and Novena link below]
OPENING OF THE HOLY DOORS | JUBILEE OF HOPE 2025 [Details and links below]
Watch “Holy Mass and Holy Rosary on EWTN | January 22, 2025” |
Watch “Holy Mass from the National Shrine of the Divine Mercy” | January 22, 2025 |
Pray “Holy Rosary for Peace with Pope Francis” | LIVE Basilica of St. Mary Major | October 6, 2024 |
Pray “Holy Rosary Novena From Lourdes” | January 22, 2025 |
Pray “The Chaplet of Divine Mercy in song”| January 22, 2025 |
Pray “Holy Rosary ALL 20 Mysteries VIRTUAL🌹JOYFUL🌹LUMINOUS🌹SORROWFUL🌹GLORIOUS” oùn YouTube |
Memorare Chaplet | Prayer in Difficult Times (Powerful Prayer) |
A PRAYER FOR PEACE: Lord Jesus Christ, You are the true King of peace. In You alone is found freedom. Please free our world from conflict. Bring unity to troubled nations. Let Your glorious peace reign in every heart. Dispel all darkness and evil. Protect the dignity of every human life. Replace hatred with Your love. Give wisdom to world leaders. Free them from selfish ambition. Eliminate all violence and war. Glorious Virgin Mary, Saint Michael the Archangel, Every Angel and Saint: Please pray for peace. Pray for unity amongst nations. Pray for unity amongst all people. Pray for the most vulnerable. Pray for those suffering. Pray for the fearful. Pray for those most in need. Pray for us all. Jesus, Son of the Living God, have mercy on us. Jesus, hear our prayers. Jesus, I trust in You! Amen 🙏
“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. ~ Psalm 139:13-14
We remember today the tragic United States Supreme Court decision, Roe v. Wade, issued on January 22, 1973, that essentially legalized abortion in all fifty states for almost fifty years. By God’s grace, that decision was finally overturned on June 24, 2022, by the Supreme Court case Dobbs v. Jackson. The over 60 million abortions since the 1973 decisions of Roe v. Wade and Doe v. Bolton reflect with heartbreaking magnitude what Pope Francis means by a “throwaway culture.” However, we have great trust in God’s providence. We are reminded time and again in Scripture to seek the Lord’s help, and as people of faith, we believe that our prayers are heard. And while the decision of the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization to overturn Roe v. Wade on on June 24, 2022 gives us much to be grateful for, the battle for the sanctity of life must continue, since the Dobbs v. Jackson ruling simply deferred the decision on abortion to state legislatures. Thus, abortion remains legal in the majority of states in the United States and continues to be legal in many other countries around the world. So, great prayer and advocacy is still very needed.
The General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM), no. 373, designates January 22 as a particular day of prayer and penance, called the “Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children”: In all the Dioceses of the United States of America, January 22nd (or January 23rd, when January 22nd falls on a Sunday) shall be observed as a particular day of prayer for the full restoration of the legal guarantee of the right to life and of penance for violations to the dignity of the human person committed through acts of abortion. The most vulnerable and at-risk human beings need you, as does every mother who finds herself in an unplanned pregnancy. They need your prayers and your acts of penance—that every mother makes the choice for life, and that the right to life will be enshrined in civil law throughout the world. Don’t underestimate the power of your prayers and penance. Unite yourself to the Body of Christ, and do your part to bring healing to the past and true hope for the future.
Eternal truths never change. “Human life must be respected and protected absolutely from the moment of conception. From the first moment of his existence, a human being must be recognized as having the rights of a person—among which is the inviolable right of every innocent being to life.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church #2270). Let us pray for the respect and protection of life at its earliest and most vulnerable stage, as Pope John Paul II once exhorted: “Please God you may continue, closely united with one another, to be a force of renewal and hope in our society. May the Lord help you to work ceaselessly to enable all, believers and non-believers alike, to understand that protection of human life from conception is an essential condition for building a future worthy of the human being.”
“A great prayer for life is urgently needed, a prayer which will rise up throughout the world. Through special initiatives and in daily prayer, may an impassioned plea rise to God, the Creator and lover of life, from every Christian community, from every group and association, from every family and from the heart of every believer.” ~ Pope Saint John Paul II “Evangelium Vitae,” No. 100
The liturgical celebrations for this day may be the “Mass For Giving Thanks to God for the Gift of Human Life” (no. 48/1 of the Masses and Prayers for Various Needs and Occasions), celebrated with white vestments, or the Mass “For the Preservation of Peace and Justice” (no. 30 of the Masses and Prayers for Various Needs and Occasions), celebrated with violet vestments.
PRAYER: Most precious Lord, You dwelt within the womb of your dear mother, sanctifying the womb and elevating the dignity of all human life. Heavenly Father, and Mother Mary, today we storm heaven with our prayers, fasting, and almsgiving in the hope that all unborn children will be protected in law so that they can grow into the men and women you planned them to be. Amen🙏
9 Days for Life is a novena for the protection of human life. Each day’s intention is accompanied by a short reflection and suggested actions to help build a culture of life. We continue our novena for life prayer, we pray for the protection of human life. We particularly pray for the safety and well-being of the unborn and all children. May the good Lord protect the life of every human person, from conception to natural death. Amen 🙏🏽
“Thus says the LORD who made you, who formed you from the womb and will help you: Fear not, O Jacob my servant, and thou, Jeshurun, whom I have chosen.” ~ Isaiah 44:2
PRAYER FOR THE UNBORN: Lord, Creator of Life, You have blessed us with the privilege of bringing new life into the world. Open our hearts and minds to recognize Your special gift of children and Your great love for each of us created in Your image and likeness. Through love, You sent your Son Jesus to redeem us, and through love, He entered our world as an unborn child in the womb of Mary, His mother. We now turn to Mary for her prayers and intercession as we struggle to protect innocent unborn children from decisions that seek to destroy them. Following Mary’s example as mother and disciple, let us proclaim the truth of our faith, assist those in crisis, and protect those most vulnerable, unwanted, and unloved. May the good Lord protect the life of every human person, from conception to natural death. Amen 🙏🏽
WEEK OF PRAYER FOR CHRISTIAN UNITY 2025: January 18-25, 2025
Theme for 2025 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity: “Do you believe this?” (John 11:26)
Today is day five of the week of prayer for Christian Unity, which is celebrated around the world from January 18th – 25th. As we continue this year’s week of prayer for Christian Unity, we join our brothers and sisters in Christ around the world in praying for peace, love, justice and unity in our divided and conflicted world so we can better build God’s Kingdom here on earth. May God in His infinite grace and mercy, look down with pity upon us and keep us all united in peace, love and faith, so that we may all be truly one in Christ…Amen🙏
All Christian Churches and communities worldwide are invited to use the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2025 resources to pray together for the unity among churches throughout the year.
Material for each day of the Week of Prayer. The texts provided for personal or communal prayer for each of the eight days include two scripture readings and a psalm. The biblical texts for each day highlight in turn key statements of the Nicene Creed.
Day 1: The fatherhood and care of God who rules the universe Day 2: Creation as God’s work Day 3: The Incarnation of the Son Day 4: The Paschal Mystery: The Incarnation, Passion, Death and Resurrection of Jesus Day 5: The Holy Spirit, the giver of life and joy Day 6: The Church: Community of believers Day 7: Baptism into the Death and Resurrection of the Lord Day 8: Waiting for the Kingdom and the life to come
Reflections and Prayer Links for 2025 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity:
On this Feast day, through the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary, and all the Saints, we humbly pray and thank God for blessing us all with the gift of His precious son, our Savior Jesus Christ! For the safety and well-being of all our children and children all over the world. We pray for God’s guidance and protection upon them. We continue to pray for peace all around the world, particularly in the Middle East, Ukraine-Russia and other parts of the world. We pray for an end to the wars and conflicts, and for peace in our families and throughout our divided and conflicted World. For the gentle repose of the souls of all the faithful departed, may the Lord receive them into the light of Eternal Kingdom. Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May their gentle souls and souls of all the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in perfect peace with our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen 🙏 ✝️🕯✝️🕯✝️🕯
“Blessed are those who have died in the Lord; let them rest from their abors for their good deeds go with them.” ~ Rev 14:13
PRAYER FOR THE DEAD: In your hands, O Lord, we humbly entrust our brothers and sisters. In this life, you embraced them with your tender love; deliver them now from every evil, and bid them eternal rest. The old order has passed away: welcome them into paradise, where there will be no sorrow, no weeping or pain, but fullness of peace and joy with your Son and the Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen🙏
PRAYER FOR THE VICTIMS OF WILDFIRES AND DISASTERS: We continue to pray for the victims of the current wildfires in the United States (Los Angeles, California) and victims of natural disasters across the world. We especially pray for those that have lost their lives and their families.
“Most Merciful God, Be “our refuge and our strength, an ever-present help in distress” (Psalm 46:1). You created us and sustain us by Your almighty power. Your mercy knows no bounds. At this time of great suffering, we entrust all victims of the wildfires to You. Comfort them, fill them with Your grace, and provide for their needs. We entrust all who have died to Your merciful Heart. Cleanse them of their sins and welcome them into Your heavenly Kingdom. Give wisdom and prudence to those managing this disaster. Give courage and resolve to those on the front lines. Keep them safe and successful in their efforts. Command the winds and the flames to obey You, Lord, as You once calmed the stormy seas. Pour the water of Your grace upon these destructive fires. Stay them with Your powerful hand. Angels of God, come to the aid of those most in need of God’s mercy. Protect them, guide them, and reveal to them God’s holy will. St. Florian, patron of firefighters, pray for those bravely battling the flames. St. Michael the Archangel, defend them in their peril. Saints in Heaven, we beseech your prayer. Intercede for those most in need. From this tragedy and chaos, bring hope and peace. Turn sorrow into compassion. Turn confusion into faith. Turn despair into divine hope. We place all our trust in You, Most Merciful God, knowing that You will bring forth new life and healing from the ashes of this trial. May Your name be glorified now and forever. Amen” 🙏🏽
SAINTS OF THE DAY: MEMORIAL OF SAINT VINCENT OF SARAGOSSA, DEACON AND MARTYR AND SAINT ANASTASIUS THE PERSIAN, MARTYR – FEAST DAY ~ JANUARY 22ND: Today, we celebrate the Memorial of Saint Vincent of Saragossa, Deacon and Martyr and Saint Anastasius the Persian, Martyr.
SAINT VINCENT OF SARAGOSSA, DEACON AND MARTYR: St Vincent of Saragossa (Died 304) was Archdeacon and Protomartyr of Spain. He was a Preacher, assistant to St. Valerius of Saragossa (Died 315), who was his Bishop and whose Memorial is also today. St. Vincent was born at Huesca, near Saragossa, Spain sometime during the latter part of the 3rd century; it is believed his father was Eutricius (Euthicius) and his mother was Enola, a native of Osca. When quite a child, applied himself to study. St. Vincent spent most of his life in the city of Saragossa, where he was educated and taught the sacred sciences and ordained to the diaconate by Bishop Valerius of Saragossa, who commissioned Vincent to preach throughout the diocese. Because Valerius suffered from a speech impediment, Vincent acted as his spokesman. When the Roman Emperor Diocletian began persecuting Christians in Spain, both were brought before the Roman governor, Dacian in Valencia. St. Vincent and his bishop Valerius were confined to the prison of Valencia. Though he was finally offered release if he would consign Scripture to the fire, Vincent refused. Speaking on behalf of his bishop, he informed the judge that they were ready to suffer everything for their faith and that they could pay no heed either to threats or promises. His outspoken manner so angered the governor that Vincent was inflicted every sort of torture on him. He was stretched on the rack and his flesh torn with iron hooks. Then his wounds were rubbed with salt and he was burned alive upon a red-hot gridiron. Finally, he was cast into prison and laid on a floor scattered with broken pottery, where he died. During his martyrdom he preserved such peace and tranquillity that it astonished his jailer, who repented from his sins and was converted. St. Vincent’s dead body was thrown into the sea in a sack but was later recovered by the Christians and his veneration immediately spread throughout the Church. The aged bishop Valerius was exiled.
According to legend, after being martyred, ravens protected St Vincent’s body from being devoured by vultures, until his followers could recover the body. His body was taken to what is now known as Cape St Vincent; a shrine was erected over his grave, which continued to be guarded by flocks of ravens (Church of the Raven). King Afonso I of Portugal (1139–1185) had the body of the saint exhumed in 1173 and brought it by ship to the Lisbon Cathedral. This transfer of the relics is depicted on the coat of arms of Lisbon. Though Vincent’s tomb in Valencia became the earliest centre of his cult, he was also honoured at his birthplace and his reputation spread from Saragossa. A church was built in honour of Vincent, by the Catholic bishops of Iberia, when they succeeded in converting King Reccared and his nobles to Trinitarian Christianity. St Vincent’s left arm is on display as a relic in Valencia Cathedral, located near the extensive Carrer de Sant Vicent Mártir (Saint Vincent the Martyr Street). He’s Patron Saint of Lisbon, Valencia, Valencia, Vicenza (Italy), Sao Vicente, vine dressers, vinegar makers, vintners, wine growers, wine makers and the Order of the Deacons of the Diocese of Bergamo (Italy).
O God, who didst wonderfully, with manifold sufferings, crown thy servant Vincent, and didst deliver him from the effects of his torments, to the end that he might gloriously trample upon each cruel punishment with those feet of his, that had never trod in the mire of vice, who didst, moreover, save him from the deep waters, to the end that he, whose spirit had despised the world, might be near to his heritage in heaven: grant unto us, by the prayers of this so great a Martyr, that we may never be defiled by the mire of sin, nor be plunged in the deep pool of despair, but may be presented to thee, on the day of judgment, beautified with a spotless freedom of conscience. Amen🙏
SAINT ANASTASIUS THE PERSIAN, MARTYR: St. Anastasius was a former magician and soldier, converted to Christianity, became a monk and was martyred in 628. He was the son of a Persian sorcerer named Bavi. As a pagan, he had the name Magundates and served in the armies of the Persian emperor Chozroes II, who in 614 ravaged the city of Jerusalem and carried away the Life-Creating Cross of the Lord to Persia. Great miracles occurred from the Cross of the Lord, and the Persians were astonished. The heart of young Magundates was inflamed with the desire to learn more about this sacred object. Asking everyone about the Holy Cross, the youth learned that upon it the Lord Himself was crucified for the salvation of mankind. He became acquainted with the truths of the Christian Faith in the city of Chalcedon, where the army of Chozroes was for a certain while. He was baptized with the name Anastasius, and then became a monk and spent seven years in one of the Jerusalem monasteries, living an ascetical life.
Reading the Lives of the holy martyrs, Saint Anastasius was inspired with the desire to imitate them. A mysterious dream, which he had on Great and Holy Saturday, the day before the Resurrection of Christ, urged him to do this. Having fallen asleep after his daily tasks, he beheld a radiant man giving him a golden chalice filled with wine, who said to him, “Take this and drink.” Draining the chalice, he felt an ineffable delight. Saint Anastasius then realized that this vision was his call to martyrdom. He went secretly from the monastery to Palestinian Caesarea. There he was arrested for being a Christian, and was brought to trial. The governor tried in every way to force Saint Anastasius to renounce Christ, threatening him with tortures and death, and promising him earthly honors and blessings. The saint, however, remained unyielding. Then they subjected him to torture: they beat him with rods, they lacerated his knees, they hung him up by the hands and tied a heavy stone to his feet, they exhausted him with confinement, and then wore him down with heavy work in the stone quarry with other prisoners.
Finally, the governor summoned Saint Anastasius and promised him his freedom if he would only say, “I am not a Christian.” The holy martyr replied, “I will never deny my Lord before you or anyone else, neither openly nor even while asleep. No one can compel me to do this while I am in my right mind.” Then by order of the emperor Chozroes, Saint Anastasius was strangled, then beheaded. He was martyred together with seventy other Christians. After the death of Chozroes, St. Anastasius’ relics were, at first, carried to Jerusalem, to the Monastery, where he had professed the monastic life; afterwards, they were translated to Rome, and were deposited in the monastery near the Salvian Waters.
PRAYER: Hear, O Lord, our earnest prayers, that we who are sensible of the guilt of our crimes, may be delivered therefrom by the prayers of thy blessed Martyr Anastasius. Through Christ our Lord. Amen🙏
“Is it lawful on the sabbath to save life rather than to destroy it?”
“Jesus entered the synagogue. There was a man there who had a withered hand. They watched Jesus closely to see if he would cure him on the sabbath so that they might accuse him. He said to the man with the withered hand, “Come up here before us.” Then he said to the Pharisees, “Is it lawful to do good on the sabbath rather than to do evil, to save life rather than to destroy it?” But they remained silent. Looking around at them with anger and grieved at their hardness of heart, Jesus said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out and his hand was restored. The Pharisees went out and immediately took counsel with the Herodians against him to put him to death.”
In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus does good on the Sabbath; He does God’s work on the Sabbath by healing the withered hand of a man in the synagogue. Yet, because of the good that Jesus did, some religious and political leaders immediately began to plot together to destroy Jesus. It was because Jesus was faithful to doing God’s good work that He was crucified. Jesus’ life shows very clearly that the good that we do does not always bring a reward; sometimes it can bring the opposite of a reward. It is a strange paradox, but one that is often true to life, that good sometimes generates evil. The goodness of some brings out evil in others. Yet Jesus was faithful to the good work that God gave Him to do, regardless of how negatively it was received by some. Jesus teaches us that goodness is its own reward. We try to be faithful to what God wants of us, because it is what God wants of us and not because of any benefit it might bring us. We remain faithful to our calling to share in Jesus’ work of bringing healing and life to others, even though it may, at times, bring us suffering. According to the Gospel reading, Jesus expressed some emotions, He was grieved at some people’s hardness at heart, and that He looked angrily round at them, before healing the man with the withered hand on the Sabbath. Grief and anger are two emotions we all experience from time to time. We know too that they can be difficult emotions to deal with; their impact on us can be negative. Grief can drag us down; anger can make us say and do things that we subsequently regret. In the Gospel reading, however, Jesus shows us that those difficult emotions can be harnessed for good. It was in grief and anger that Jesus gave new life to the man with the withered hand. Jesus channelled those emotions in the service of God’s kingdom. St. Paul says in his letter to the Romans that ‘all things work together for good, for those who love God’. St. Paul is saying there that if God is our first love, God can work in a life giving way through all things, even in and through those emotions, those events, that we might judge to be negative and of little value or worth.
Our first reading today from the Epistle to the Hebrews gives the account of the author of this Epistle, which many biblical scholars and historians attributed to St. Luke the Evangelist, directed to the Jewish community and population, especially to those who have accepted and embraced Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour. For at that time, there were many different opinions and beliefs among the Jewish people on Who this Jesus Christ was. On one extreme, there were those Jewish people who rejected the Lord completely, like many among the Pharisees and the Sadducees, the teachers of the Law and the chief priests who viewed the Lord as a False Messiah and even a dangerous blasphemer and sinner because of His teachings and works, and for Him claiming to be the Son of God, some of which were shown in our Gospel reading today about the Lord healing a paralysed man. On the other extreme, of course there were also those who have fully accepted and embraced the fullness of truth about this person of Jesus Christ, how He is not just a mere Man or Prophet sent by God, but that He is indeed the Son of God, the Divine Word of God made manifested and incarnate in the flesh before us all, conceived and born into this world through His mother Mary. And there were those Jewish people who were receptive to the teachings of Christ but they were still ambivalent, indecisive and unsure about how much or what they would believe in Him. Therefore, the author of the Epistle to the Hebrews went on through these series of discourses, discussions and teachings to help them to understand the truth of this Saviour Whom God had sent into their midst. In today’s discourse, the mention of Melchizedek, the King of Salem was a significant one because the person of Melchizedek himself in the Scriptures and in history was a mystery and is still debated till this day on who this Melchizedek truly was. It is precisely just like how the Lord Jesus Himself and His truth and identity were widely debated and discussed among the Jewish people both during and after the period of His ministry and works in their midst. For Melchizedek, him being the King of Salem highlighted his place as the High Priest of God offering the sacrifices and offerings to God at Salem, which name suggests connection to Jerusalem, which is the place that the Lord Himself would offer the ultimate sacrifice and offering through His suffering and death on the Cross. Therefore, this mention of Melchizedek served to highlight the important role that Jesus Christ, as the Saviour had to do in order to save all mankind, just as the prophets had also predicted and prophesied about it. Some among the Jewish people then likely did not understand why the Messiah had to suffer and in fact even die in such a humiliating and painful way, betrayed and rejected by many of the leaders of His own people. Melchizedek here was seen as an archetype and even as a possible manifestation of Christ before the time that was appointed for Him to come into this world, to reveal part of what God intended to do with us, in saving all of us His beloved ones from certain destruction. The mention that Melchizedek was one without a parent, was also yet another reference to Christ, Who was conceived without any human intervention and by the power of God alone.
As we reflect on the words of the Sacred Scriptures today, we are all reminded that each and every one of us as Christians must always be faithful to God and we must not allow ourselves to be swayed and divided by sin, evil and wickedness present all around us. We are all reminded to put our faith and trust in the Lord, to open ourselves, our mind and heart to His truth and love, and not to allow our pride, ego and stubbornness to prevent ourselves from following Him wholeheartedly. The Lord has shown us all His most generous love which He has manifested through His Son, Our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, and each and every one of us should therefore strive to live lives that are truly worthy of Him, giving Him thanks for all that He has done for us, in blessing and forgiving us, ever enduring in His love for us despite us having often disobeyed Him and refusing to follow Him or listen to Him. He has blessed us all through His Son, and we ought to live our lives then as the worthy bearers of the truth and love that Our Lord Himself has revealed to us. From the words of the Sacred Scriptures, from the discourses and discussions from the Epistle to the Hebrews and the Gospel about the healing of the paralysed man, and from the courageous faith and life of the Saints we celebrate today, St. Vincent the Deacon, and Martyr and St. Anastasius the Persian, Martyr, all of us are reminded that as Christians we may often have to face a lot of disagreements, hardships, and even persecutions and oppressions for our faith in God. But we should not allow these to discourage us from being faithful to the Lord and to follow Him. After all, we must first remember what the Lord Himself has done for us, and the sufferings and hardships He Himself had suffered and endured for us in His Passion and death. When we suffer, we all suffer together with Christ, and we are all united to His death and ultimately to His glorious Resurrection. If we continue to have strong and enduring faith in God, we will surely not be disappointed and we will receive the fullness of God’s blessings and grace, and be truly worthy of the salvation which He has promised and reassured us all. Let us all therefore renew our faith and commitment to live our lives worthily of the Lord from now on, doing our very best to be the good examples and inspiration to everyone around us, now and always. May God in His infinite grace and mercy, grant us the grace to remain faithful and trust in the Lord and with the help of the Holy Spirit be as pure in heart as Jesus was. May God bless us in our every good efforts, works and endeavours, all for His greater glory, now and always, forevermore. Amen🙏
DEVOTION OF THE MONTH OF JANUARY | MONTH OF THE HOLY NAME OF JESUS: The month of January is traditionally dedicated to the Holy Name of Jesus. After the Blessed Virgin Mary conceived by the Holy Spirit, the Angel Gabriel appeared to St. Joseph and told him that the Child’s name should be called Jesus, meaning “God Saves.” According to Jewish law, on the 8th day after his birth a male child was to be circumcised, receive his name, and become a full member of God’s covenant people. According to the old Roman liturgical calendar, the Feast of the Circumcision of Jesus was celebrated on January 1st, eight days after Christmas, the same day that He was given His sacred name. Currently we celebrate the Solemnity of the Mother of God on January 1st and honor the Holy Name of Jesus on January 3rd. For Catholics, Jesus’ sacred name is the object of a special devotion symbolized by the monogram “IHS,” (sometimes called a Christogram), which is the first three letters of the Greek spelling of His name.
THE POPE’S MONTHLY INTENTIONS FOR 2025: FOR THE MONTH OF JANUARY – FOR THE RIGHT TO EDUCATION: Let us pray for migrants, refugees, and those affected by war, that their right to an education, which is necessary to build a better world, might always be respected.
PRAYER INTENTIONS: Through the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary and the Saints, on this feast day, we humbly pray and thank God for blessing us all with the gift of His precious son, may we be saved by the name of our Savior Jesus Christ! And as we begin the Ordinary Time, may the Lord grant us the grace to serve Him in spirit and in truth. We pray for peace, love and unity in our marriages, our families and our world today, as we face these incredibly challenging times. We pray for God’s deliverance from impossible causes or situations. We pray for the sick and dying, especially sick children, those who are sick with heart diseases, strokes, mental illness, and those suffering from cancers and other terminal diseases. We pray for torture victims, the poor, the needy and the most vulnerable in our communities and around the world. We pray for the souls in Purgatory and the repose of the souls of the faithful departed and for all widows and widowers. And we continue to pray for our Holy Father, Pope Francis, the Bishops, the Clergy and all those who preach the Gospel. We pray for vocations to the priesthood and religious life, for the Church, for persecuted christians, for all the innocent who suffer violence due to political or religious unrest, for the conversion of sinners, and Christians all over the world… Amen🙏
Let us pray:
My loving Lord, this day I open myself to an examination of my own heart and pray that You will help me to always be open to change when necessary. Help me, especially, to see any hardness I may have within my heart. Help me to overcome any obstinacy, stubbornness and self-righteousness. Give me the gift of humility, dear Lord, so that my heart can become more like Yours. Jesus, I trust in You ~ Amen 🙏
Save Us, Savior of the World. Our Mother Mary, Saint Vincent of Saragossa and Saint Anastasius the Persian ~ Pray for us🙏
Please find below links to the websites for Daily Reflections, Foundation and interesting topics and articles about our Catholic faith and doctrines:
Thanking God for the gift of this new year and praying for justice, peace, love and unity in our families and our world and for God’s Divine Mercy and Grace upon us all as we begin this Ordinary Time. Wishing all of us a most blessed, safe, healthy, prosperous, and grace-filled New Year and week. Amen🙏
Today is day five of the week of prayer for Christian Unity, which is celebrated around the world from January 18th – 25th. As we continue this year’s week of prayer for Christian Unity, we join our brothers and sisters in Christ around the world in praying for peace, love, justice and unity in our divided and conflicted world so we can better build God’s Kingdom here on earth. May God in His infinite grace and mercy, look down with pity upon us and keep us all united in peace, love and faith, so that we may all be truly one in Christ…Amen🙏
All Christian Churches and communities worldwide are invited to use the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2025 resources to pray together for the unity among churches throughout the year.
Material for each day of the Week of Prayer. The texts provided for personal or communal prayer for each of the eight days include two scripture readings and a psalm. The biblical texts for each day highlight in turn key statements of the Nicene Creed.
Day 1: The fatherhood and care of God who rules the universe Day 2: Creation as God’s work Day 3: The Incarnation of the Son Day 4: The Paschal Mystery: The Incarnation, Passion, Death and Resurrection of Jesus Day 5: The Holy Spirit, the giver of life and joy Day 6: The Church: Community of believers Day 7: Baptism into the Death and Resurrection of the Lord Day 8: Waiting for the Kingdom and the life to come
Reflections and Prayer Links for 2025 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity:
Greetings and blessings, beloved family. Happy Thursday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time!
Today is day eight of the novena for the protection of human life, and day six of the week of prayer for Christian Unity. As we continue this year’s week of prayer for Christian Unity, and novena for life, we join our brothers and sisters in Christ around the world in praying for the safety, well-being and protection of the life of every human person, from conception to natural death and for peace, love, justice and unity in our divided and conflicted world so we can better build God’s Kingdom here on earth.
We pray for God’s grace and mercy upon us through this Ordinary Time, and may the Lord grant us the grace to serve Him in spirit and in truth🙏
WEEK OF PRAYER FOR CHRISTIAN UNITY 2025: Started Saturday, January 18, 2024 and ends Saturday, January 25, 2025 [Reflections and Prayer links below]
9 DAYS FOR LIFE: PRAY TO PROTECT HUMAN LIFE 9 Days for Life is a novena for the protection of human life. January 16-24, 2025 [Prayer and Novena link below]
OPENING OF THE HOLY DOORS | JUBILEE OF HOPE 2025 [Details and links below]
Watch “Holy Mass and Holy Rosary on EWTN | January 23, 2025” |
Watch “Holy Mass from the National Shrine of the Divine Mercy” | January 23, 2025 |
Pray “Holy Rosary for Peace with Pope Francis” | LIVE Basilica of St. Mary Major | October 6, 2024 |
Pray “Holy Rosary Novena From Lourdes” | January 23, 2025 |
Pray “The Chaplet of Divine Mercy in song”| January 23, 2025 |
Pray “Holy Rosary ALL 20 Mysteries VIRTUAL🌹JOYFUL🌹LUMINOUS🌹SORROWFUL🌹GLORIOUS” oùn YouTube |
Memorare Chaplet | Prayer in Difficult Times (Powerful Prayer) |
A PRAYER FOR PEACE: Lord Jesus Christ, You are the true King of peace. In You alone is found freedom. Please free our world from conflict. Bring unity to troubled nations. Let Your glorious peace reign in every heart. Dispel all darkness and evil. Protect the dignity of every human life. Replace hatred with Your love. Give wisdom to world leaders. Free them from selfish ambition. Eliminate all violence and war. Glorious Virgin Mary, Saint Michael the Archangel, Every Angel and Saint: Please pray for peace. Pray for unity amongst nations. Pray for unity amongst all people. Pray for the most vulnerable. Pray for those suffering. Pray for the fearful. Pray for those most in need. Pray for us all. Jesus, Son of the Living God, have mercy on us. Jesus, hear our prayers. Jesus, I trust in You! Amen 🙏
9 Days for Life is a novena for the protection of human life. Each day’s intention is accompanied by a short reflection and suggested actions to help build a culture of life. We continue our novena for life prayer, we pray for the protection of human life. We particularly pray for the safety and well-being of the unborn and all children. May the good Lord protect the life of every human person, from conception to natural death. Amen 🙏🏽
“Thus says the LORD who made you, who formed you from the womb and will help you: Fear not, O Jacob my servant, and thou, Jeshurun, whom I have chosen.” ~ Isaiah 44:2
PRAYER FOR THE UNBORN: Lord, Creator of Life, You have blessed us with the privilege of bringing new life into the world. Open our hearts and minds to recognize Your special gift of children and Your great love for each of us created in Your image and likeness. Through love, You sent your Son Jesus to redeem us, and through love, He entered our world as an unborn child in the womb of Mary, His mother. We now turn to Mary for her prayers and intercession as we struggle to protect innocent unborn children from decisions that seek to destroy them. Following Mary’s example as mother and disciple, let us proclaim the truth of our faith, assist those in crisis, and protect those most vulnerable, unwanted, and unloved. May the good Lord protect the life of every human person, from conception to natural death. Amen 🙏🏽
WEEK OF PRAYER FOR CHRISTIAN UNITY 2025: January 18-25, 2025
Theme for 2025 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity: “Do you believe this?” (John 11:26)
Today is day six of the week of prayer for Christian Unity, which is celebrated around the world from January 18th – 25th. As we continuerf this year’s week of prayer for Christian Unity, we join our brothers and sisters in Christ around the world in praying for peace, love, justice and unity in our divided and conflicted world so we can better build God’s Kingdom here on earth. May God in His infinite grace and mercy, look down with pity upon us and keep us all united in peace, love and faith, so that we may all be truly one in Christ…Amen🙏
All Christian Churches and communities worldwide are invited to use the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2025 resources to pray together for the unity among churches throughout the year.
Material for each day of the Week of Prayer. The texts provided for personal or communal prayer for each of the eight days include two scripture readings and a psalm. The biblical texts for each day highlight in turn key statements of the Nicene Creed.
Day 1: The fatherhood and care of God who rules the universe Day 2: Creation as God’s work Day 3: The Incarnation of the Son Day 4: The Paschal Mystery: The Incarnation, Passion, Death and Resurrection of Jesus Day 5: The Holy Spirit, the giver of life and joy Day 6: The Church: Community of believers Day 7: Baptism into the Death and Resurrection of the Lord Day 8: Waiting for the Kingdom and the life to come
Reflections and Prayer Links for 2025 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity:
On this Feast day, through the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary, and all the Saints, we humbly pray and thank God for blessing us all with the gift of His precious son, our Savior Jesus Christ! For the safety and well-being of all our children and children all over the world. We pray for God’s guidance and protection upon them. We continue to pray for peace all around the world, particularly in the Middle East, Ukraine-Russia and other parts of the world. We pray for an end to the wars and conflicts, and for peace in our families and throughout our divided and conflicted World. For the gentle repose of the souls of all the faithful departed, may the Lord receive them into the light of Eternal Kingdom. Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May their gentle souls and souls of all the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in perfect peace with our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen 🙏 ✝️🕯✝️🕯✝️🕯
“Blessed are those who have died in the Lord; let them rest from their abors for their good deeds go with them.” ~ Rev 14:13
PRAYER FOR THE DEAD: In your hands, O Lord, we humbly entrust our brothers and sisters. In this life, you embraced them with your tender love; deliver them now from every evil, and bid them eternal rest. The old order has passed away: welcome them into paradise, where there will be no sorrow, no weeping or pain, but fullness of peace and joy with your Son and the Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen🙏
PRAYER FOR THE VICTIMS OF WILDFIRES AND DISASTERS: We continue to pray for the victims of the current wildfires in the United States (Los Angeles, California) and victims of natural disasters across the world. We especially pray for those that have lost their lives and their families.
“Most Merciful God, Be “our refuge and our strength, an ever-present help in distress” (Psalm 46:1). You created us and sustain us by Your almighty power. Your mercy knows no bounds. At this time of great suffering, we entrust all victims of the wildfires to You. Comfort them, fill them with Your grace, and provide for their needs. We entrust all who have died to Your merciful Heart. Cleanse them of their sins and welcome them into Your heavenly Kingdom. Give wisdom and prudence to those managing this disaster. Give courage and resolve to those on the front lines. Keep them safe and successful in their efforts. Command the winds and the flames to obey You, Lord, as You once calmed the stormy seas. Pour the water of Your grace upon these destructive fires. Stay them with Your powerful hand. Angels of God, come to the aid of those most in need of God’s mercy. Protect them, guide them, and reveal to them God’s holy will. St. Florian, patron of firefighters, pray for those bravely battling the flames. St. Michael the Archangel, defend them in their peril. Saints in Heaven, we beseech your prayer. Intercede for those most in need. From this tragedy and chaos, bring hope and peace. Turn sorrow into compassion. Turn confusion into faith. Turn despair into divine hope. We place all our trust in You, Most Merciful God, knowing that You will bring forth new life and healing from the ashes of this trial. May Your name be glorified now and forever. Amen” 🙏🏽
SAINTS OF THE DAY: MEMORIAL OF SAINT JOHN THE ALMSGIVER, PATRIARCH OF ALEXANDRIA AND SAINT ILDEFONSUS, BISHOP AND SAINT MARIANNE COPE, RELIGIOUS – FEAST DAY ~ JANUARY 23RD: Today, we celebrate the Memorial of Saint John the Almsgiver, Patriarch of Alexandria and Saint Ildefonsus, Bishop and Saint Marianne Cope, Religious.
SAINT JOHN THE ALMSGIVER, PATRIARCH OF ALEXANDRIA: St. John the Almagiver also known as St. John the Merciful was John Eleemon Cypriot by birth. He was born in 555 on the island of Cyprus in the city of Amathus as the son of Epiphanius, governor of Cyprus, and was of noble descent. In early life he was married and had children, but his wife and children soon died, after which he entered religious life. He was the Chalcedonian Patriarch of Alexandria in the early 7th century (from 606 to 616). On the death of the Patriarch Theodore, the Alexandrians besought Emperor Phocas to appoint John his successor, which was accordingly done. St. John the Almsgiver was a widower probably over 50 when he was appointed or acclaimed Patriarch of Alexandria. One of the first steps he took was to make a list of several thousand needy persons, whom he took under his especial care. He always referred to the poor as his “lords and masters”, because of their mighty influence at the Court of the Most High. He assisted people of every class who were in need. He sought to serve his masters, the poor, through the direct giving of alms and the establishing of hospitals. He is said to have sat openly available in church on Wednesdays and Fridays so that the poor could speak with him.
St. John opposed Monophysitism and employed Sophronius (later Patriarch of Jerusalem) and John Moschus in his battle against the followers of Severus of Antioch. A man of exemplary uprightness, in his zeal for the faith he strove mightily to fight the many heresies among the Christians in Egypt; but above all, he was famous for his singular generosity, humility, and sympathy towards all, especially the poor. His mercy was so great that the report of it reached the Persian invaders of Jerusalem, who desired to see him because of it. When the Persians invaded Alexandria, St. John returned to Cyprus where he died peacefully in c. 619 at the age of sixty-four. Sophronius and Moschus authored vitae of their friend and mentor. The body of St. John was kept at Constantinople until the XV Century, when the sultan gave it to King Matthias of Hungary. The relics were translated to Bratislava in the XVII century. He is the Patron Saint of Casarano, Italy and of Limassol, Cyprus.
Saint John the Almsgiver, Patriarch of Alexandria ~ Pray for us 🙏
SAINT ILDEFONSUS, BISHOP: St. Ildefonsus is highly regarded in Spain and closely associated with devotion to the Blessed Virgin, which he fostered by his famous work concerning her perpetual virginity. Born around 607 in Toledo, Spain, Ildefonsus came from a distinguished and noble family and was the nephew of St. Eugenius, his predecessor in the See of Toledo and he was probably a pupil of St. Isidore of Seville.
At an early age, despite the determined opposition of his father, he embraced the monastic life in the monastery of Agalia, near Toledo. While still quite young, he enterd the Benedictine monastery of Agalia, he was ordained a deacon, around the year 630 and went on to become its Abbot. In that capacity he attended the Councils of Toledo in 653 and 655. He was called by King Reccesvinth, near the end of 657 to fill the archiepiscopal throne of Toledo. The clergy and people elected this holy man to succeed his uncle, St. Eugenius, as Archbishop of Toledo. He performed his episcopal duties with diligence and sanctity and governed the Church of Toledo for just over nine years until his death on January 23, 667.
This Saint was a favorite subject for medieval artists, especially in connection with the legend of Our Lady’s appearance to present him with a chalice. Ildephonsus had a strong devotion to the Blessd Mother, and it is said that one day he was praying before the relics of Saint Leocadia, when the martyr arose from her tomb and thanked the saint for the devotion he showed towards the Mother of God. It was also related that on another occasion the Blessed Virgin appeared to him in person and presented him with a priestly vestment, to reward him for his zeal in honoring her. St. Ildefonsus was a prolific writer, but unfortunately only four of his works have survived. Among these are the one already mentioned and an important document of the history of the Spanish Church during the first two-thirds of the 7th century, entitled “Concerning Famous Men”.
PRAYER: God, Light and Shepherd of souls, You established St. Ildefonsus as Bishop in Your Church to feed Your flock by his word and form it by his example. Help us through his intercession to keep the Faith he taught by his word and follow the way he showed by his example. Amen🙏
SAINT MARIANNE COPE, RELIGIOUS: St. Marianne Cope (1838–1918), also known as St. Marianne of Molokai, was a German-born American immigrant. St. Marianne Cope was born in western Germany in 1838. She worked in a New York factory before entering the Sisters of the Third Order of Saint Francis in Syracuse. She entered religious life in Syracuse, N.Y. in 1862. She served as a teacher and principal in several schools in the state and established two of the first hospitals in the central New York area: St. Elizabeth Hospital in Utica and St. Joseph’s Hospital in Syracuse. She spent her early years serving as a leader in health care and education.
In 1883, when the Hawaiian government was searching for a religious order to run a station for victims of leprosy, the Syracuse sisters volunteered immediately. Mother Marianne’s community was the only one of fifty to respond positively to an emissary from Hawaii who requested Catholic sisters to provide health care on the Hawaiian Islands, especially to those with leprosy. Mother Marianne and six other sisters left for Hawaii in 1883. She devoted 35 years to caring for those afflicted with Hansen’s disease (leprosy) in Molokai, Hawaii. Over the next five years, St. Marianne set up a system of long-term education and care for her patients. She ministered to patients at Kalaupapa on the island of Molokai. Her time of service overlapped with the last years of St. Damien of Molokai, a priest who served victims of Hansen’s disease and himself died of leprosy. She also opened a hospital and a school for girls on the island of Maui, and took charge of the home St. Damien of Molokai established for men and boys. Mother Marianne changed life on Molokai by introducing cleanliness, dignity, and fun into the colony.
Despite her direct contact with leprosy patients over many years, she was not afflicted by the disease, which some consider miraculous. St. Marianne promised her sisters that none of them would ever contract the disease. To this day, no sister has. Her care earned her the affectionate title “beloved mother of the outcasts.” St. Marianne died in 1918 and was beatified on May 14, 2005 and canonized on October 21, 2012, both by Pope Benedict XVI. “At a time when little could be done for those suffering from this terrible disease, Marianne Cope showed the highest love, courage and enthusiasm,” Pope Benedict XVI said in his homily during the Mass for her canonization. “She is a shining and energetic example of the best of the tradition of Catholic nursing sisters and of the spirit of her beloved Saint Francis.” St. Marianne feast day is January 23.
Saint Marianne Cope, Religious Religious ~ Pray for us 🙏
“The unclean spirits shouted, “You are the Son of God,” but Jesus warned them sternly not to make Him known”
“Jesus withdrew toward the sea with his disciples. A large number of people followed from Galilee and from Judea. Hearing what he was doing, a large number of people came to him also from Jerusalem, from Idumea, from beyond the Jordan, and from the neighborhood of Tyre and Sidon. He told His disciples to have a boat ready for Him because of the crowd, so that they would not crush Him. He had cured many and, as a result, those who had diseases were pressing upon Him to touch Him. And whenever unclean spirits saw Him they would fall down before Him and shout, “You are the Son of God.” He warned them sternly not to make Him known.”
Today’s Gospel reading gives us a picture of great crowds of people coming to Jesus, not just from Judea and Galilee, but from much further afield, from Idumea, Transjordania, Tyre and Sidon. In particular, all who were afflicted in any way came forward to touch Him. It was the people who were suffering, who were distressed, who had least going for them, that came to Jesus in the biggest numbers. They sensed that he had come to heal their brokenness, that he had come in a special way for the suffering, the broken, the lost. We too come to the Lord with the greatest urgency when we are struggling, when we are in some kind of distress. Like the crowds in the Gospel reading, we reach out to touch the Lord in our brokenness, recognizing Him as the source of healing and life. The Lord is as available to us as He was to the crowds of Galilee; He remains strength in our weakness, healing in our brokenness, life in our various experiences of death. We can approach Him with the same confidence of being well received as the people in the Gospel reading today. Every human being Jesus met was poor and broken to some degree; yet, it was only those who recognized their own poverty and brokenness who responded to Jesus. The Gospel reading suggests that it is above all the sense of our own need, the awareness of our own poverty, that opens us up to the Lord’s presence to us. We all need the Lord, because what we receive from Him cannot be received from any merely natural source. That is why He calls on us to seek Him, to ask of Him, to knock on His door, or in the image of today’s Gospel reading, to touch Him. We keep reaching out to touch Him in our brokenness because we have a need deep within us that only He can satisfy. One of the privileged ways we touch the Lord is in the Eucharist, which has been aptly described as broken bread for a broken people.
Our first reading today from the Epistle to the Hebrews is a continuation of the discourse about the truth and identity of Jesus Christ, the Saviour of the world and the Messiah which the Jewish people had long awaited for. Yesterday’s author spoke about Melchizedek and his connections and associations to Christ, and today we again explore the role of Jesus Christ our Lord as our One, True and Eternal High Priest, as the One through Whom all of us have received the assurance of salvation because He has broken the chains and dominion of sin and death that once had control over all of us. This was particularly directed to the Jewish people in order to explain to them why there was no more need for them to offer sacrifices anymore as they had been mandated by the Law. The author explained that all the sacrifices which the people had offered up to that time were all temporary and reflections of the one true Sacrifice and Offering which the Lord Jesus, as the High Priest offered once and for all for everyone. It was also highlighted how the High Priest and the other priests had to offer sacrifices in atonement for their own sins first before offering the sacrifice for the people, and they also offered the sacrifices and blood of lambs, goats and others that could not atone for the multitudes of sins of so many. And in contrast, Jesus Christ, the One, True and Eternal High Priest had no need to offer sacrifices for Himself because He Himself is without any sin or blemish, perfect in all things beyond comparison. More importantly, what He offered was none other than His own Self, His own Most Precious Body and Blood as the Son of God and Son of Man, as well as the Paschal Lamb of sacrifice, offered as the only worthy offering worth all of the multitudes of the innumerable sins, faults and mistakes of all mankind from the very beginning of time, from the time of Adam and Eve right up to the very end of time. His incarnation into this world made possible the perfection of God and His Divinity to transcend our human nature and make Himself that perfect offering and sacrifice on our behalf. And the Lord Jesus truly did suffer most grievously for our sake, as He willingly bore the great and unimaginable weight of the Cross upon His shoulder, and as the scourges were brought upon Him, nails piercing through His Body, broken and His Blood outpoured for us. As the perfect and most unblemished sacrifice, Our Lord as the Lamb of God offered for us all His own Most Precious Body and Blood for our salvation, and He did it once and for all on Calvary, on His Cross, which is the Altar of His Sacrifice. And by His great grace, He has also extended this same Sacrifice to each and every one of us through the authority and power that He has given to His Church through His disciples. It is one of the core tenets of our Christian faith that we believe in the Real Presence of the Lord in the Eucharist, the dogma on Transubstantiation. What we all believe is that during each and every celebrations of the Holy Mass, more appropriately known as the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, the same Sacrifice of Our Lord at Calvary, our One, True and Eternal High Priest has been brought to us, transcending time and space. Each and every one of our priests have all received this same power and authority, that at the moment of the Consecration of the bread and wine, those are turned completely and utterly into the substance and essence of the Lord, the Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world. That is what we all believe in, and we truly believe in the Lord our God Who has manifested Himself in the flesh, so that He could be with us, making Himself approachable and reachable by us, no longer separated by the veil and chasm of sin and death.
One of the most reassuring verses in our first reading today refers to Jesus as ‘living forever to intercede for all who come to God through Him’. We are given an image of the risen Lord praying for all who come to God through Him. Saint Paul, in his letter to the Romans, expresses this same conviction. He refers to ‘Christ Jesus, who died, yes, who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who indeed intercedes for us’. Jesus interceding for all who come to God through Him is reflected in our Gospel reading according to Mark, who tells us that great crowds from a very wide area came to God through Jesus. The Lord ministered to His people, healing their sick and casting out evil spirits from those who have been afflicted, among other things that He had done. Their longing for God brought them to Jesus because they recognized Jesus as one in whom God was present and through whom God was at work. When they came to God through Jesus they discovered Jesus to be someone who was working on their behalf, healing their afflictions. The letter to the Hebrews in our first reading today is reminding us that the same Jesus, now risen Lord, continues to work on our behalf, interceding for all who come to God through Him. His continual prayer for us is prior to our prayer to Him. His working on our behalf is prior to our working on His behalf. His prayer for us, His work for us, is a given, and all our own prayer and work is always located within that graced context.
As we reflect on the words of the Sacred Scripture today, we continue on the discourse about the identity of Jesus Christ as the High Priest of all and the Son of God, all the miracles and wonders that He has performed among the people, we are all reminded about Who it is that we believe in, in our faith and belief as Christians so that we all may know how we may share about Him to all others whom we encounter in our respective daily lives. All these sacrifices and wonders showed us once again of the most generous and wonderful love of God made clear and tangible for us through His Son, Our Lord and Saviour. As Christians, it is therefore very important that we must always be grateful of everything that God has done for us, in all the sufferings and the sacrifices He had made for our sake. It is sad to know that quite a few Christians do not truly recognise and appreciate the Lord for what He had done for us, when as our Gospel reading today mentioned, that even evil spirits proclaimed Him as the Holy One of God. Have we made the Lord to be the very centre and focus of our lives? Or have we instead allowed the many temptations around us, our many pursuits for power and glory to distract us away from God and His salvation? Let us all therefore remind ourselves to be ever more faithful to the Lord in all things, and to commit ourselves ever more wholeheartedly in each and every moments of our lives, so that by our every actions and commitment, our every words, deeds and interactions with one another, we will draw ever closer to God and to His grace. Let us all remind ourselves of these things as we continue to move forward in life, making good use of the time and opportunities which have been presented to us. Let us no longer take God’s love for granted, but do our best from now on to do His will wholeheartedly, to love Him with all of our might and strength from now on, as we all should do. We are called to emulate the Holy men and women, and Saints of God, particularly the Saints we celebrate today, Saint John the Almsgiver, Patriarch of Alexandria and Saint Ildefonsus, Bishop and Saint Marianne Cope, Religious. May all of us as Christians, as God’s beloved people, continue to be good role models in all of our lives, our every moments and actions, so that by our lives we may truly be the living examples and the shining beacons of God’s light, love and truth, illuminating this world darkened by sin and evil. May all of us continue to persist in our efforts and works, in doing what we can so that by our lives, God’s Name may truly be glorified, and many more souls may be saved by their return to the Lord. May God in His infinite grace and mercy, grant us the grace and empower each one of us to walk in His light, that we may inspire many more people to follow our examples and to walk in our footsteps, for the salvation of many more souls. May the good Lord be with us always, and may He continue to bestow His blessings and love on us, so that we may also be truly loving in all of our words, actions and deeds. May God bless us all in our every good efforts and endeavours, now and always, forevermore. Amen 🙏
DEVOTION OF THE MONTH OF JANUARY | MONTH OF THE HOLY NAME OF JESUS: The month of January is traditionally dedicated to the Holy Name of Jesus. After the Blessed Virgin Mary conceived by the Holy Spirit, the Angel Gabriel appeared to St. Joseph and told him that the Child’s name should be called Jesus, meaning “God Saves.” According to Jewish law, on the 8th day after his birth a male child was to be circumcised, receive his name, and become a full member of God’s covenant people. According to the old Roman liturgical calendar, the Feast of the Circumcision of Jesus was celebrated on January 1st, eight days after Christmas, the same day that He was given His sacred name. Currently we celebrate the Solemnity of the Mother of God on January 1st and honor the Holy Name of Jesus on January 3rd. For Catholics, Jesus’ sacred name is the object of a special devotion symbolized by the monogram “IHS,” (sometimes called a Christogram), which is the first three letters of the Greek spelling of His name.
THE POPE’S MONTHLY INTENTIONS FOR 2025: FOR THE MONTH OF JANUARY – FOR THE RIGHT TO EDUCATION: Let us pray for migrants, refugees, and those affected by war, that their right to an education, which is necessary to build a better world, might always be respected.
PRAYER INTENTIONS: Through the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary and the Saints, on this feast day, we humbly pray and thank God for blessing us all with the gift of His precious son, may we be saved by the name of our Savior Jesus Christ! And as we begin the Ordinary Time, may the Lord grant us the grace to serve Him in spirit and in truth. We pray for peace, love and unity in our marriages, our families and our world today, as we face these incredibly challenging times. We pray for God’s deliverance from impossible causes or situations. We pray for the sick and dying, especially sick children, those who are sick with heart diseases, strokes, mental illness, and those suffering from cancers and other terminal diseases. We pray for torture victims, the poor, the needy and the most vulnerable in our communities and around the world. We pray for the souls in Purgatory and the repose of the souls of the faithful departed and for all widows and widowers. And we continue to pray for our Holy Father, Pope Francis, the Bishops, the Clergy and all those who preach the Gospel. We pray for vocations to the priesthood and religious life, for the Church, for persecuted christians, for all the innocent who suffer violence due to political or religious unrest, for the conversion of sinners, and Christians all over the world… Amen🙏
Let us pray:
My saving God, I turn to You, this day, and seek to be single-minded in my love and devotion to You. Help me, first and foremost, to listen to Your transforming Word and to allow that Word to become the central focus of my life. Jesus, I trust in You ~ Amen 🙏
Save Us, Savior of the World. Our Mother Mary, Saint John the Almsgiver, Patriarch of Alexandria and Saint Ildefonsus, Bishop and St. Marianne Cope ~ Pray for us🙏
Please find below links to the websites for Daily Reflections, Foundation and interesting topics and articles about our Catholic faith and doctrines:
Thanking God for the gift of this new year and praying for justice, peace, love and unity in our families and our world and for God’s Divine Mercy and Grace upon us all as we begin this Ordinary Time. Wishing all of us a most blessed, safe, healthy, prosperous, and grace-filled New Year and week. Amen🙏
The church is one, spread abroad far and wide into a multitude by an increase of fruitfulness. As there are many rays of the sun but one light, and many branches of a tree but one strength based in its tenacious root…in the same manner the church, shone over with the light of the Lord, sheds forth her rays over the whole world, yet it is one light which is everywhere diffused, nor is the unity of the body fractured. Her fruitful abundance spreads her branches over the whole world.
–Cyprian of Carthage [c. 210-258], On the Unity of the Church, 5
For reflection:
The Church is called to shed forth the light of Christ over the world. Where do you perceive this reality in your own context?
Even though in Christ the Church is one body, historically the churches are divided. How have you experienced the pain of this division?
The Church as the community of the Holy Spirit, the giver of peace, is sent to live and spread the message of peace in the world. In what ways might churches enable their members to fulfil this calling?
Prayer
R/ O Lord, hear our prayer!
At the empty tomb, you entrusted the news of your resurrection to the women: deliver all messengers of the Gospel from fear. R/
On the road to Emmaus, you explained the law and the prophets to the disciples: open our minds to understand the Scriptures. R/
In the upper room, you gave your friends the gift of your peace: help us to keep this peace by our mutual love. R/
On the lakeshore, you appointed Peter as shepherd of your flock: uphold with your Spirit the leaders of our communities. R/
On the mountain, you gathered the dispersed disciples before you returned to the Father:
give unity in faith and charity to those who believe in you. R/
Let us pray.
God of heaven and earth, your Son Jesus Christ has revealed you as our Father and promised us the gift of the Holy Spirit: grant to your Church to overcome the scandal of our divisions, so that we may bear witness to your life of communion, in the unity of our profession of faith and in the love of mutual service. Through Christ our Lord. AMEN.
Alternative Patristic Readings
From the Armenian tradition
Holy fathers and teachers of truth! Leaders and pastors of the Christ’s flock! You who preside over and administer the house of God! Today I see you gathered in one spirit and in one body, in adherence to him who is the head of all. Who has brought you to this tranquil harbour of peace, O peacemakers of the world, if not the Holy Spirit who has been given to us from heaven as our peace? And for what purpose, if not to begin the building of the temple of God demolished and destroyed, which the author of evil threw down? –Nerses of Lambron [1152-1198], Synodal Discourse
From the Greek tradition
Being many and countless, men, women, children, various and profoundly different in origin and appearance, nation and language, way of life and age, knowledge and arts, manner of life, customs and propensities, sciences and honours, fate, temperaments and habits, all are in the [church], through which all are regenerated and recreated in the Spirit. To all equally she gives and imparts the same divine form and denomination, to be in Christ and bear his name and to have the same relation, simple, undivided and indivisible, in the faith, that no longer allows to recognise even the existence of the many and inexpressible differences present among them, because all universally refer to and meet in the [church].
–Maximus the Confessor [c. 580-662], Mystagogy, 1
Alternative Canadian Readings
The church is Christ together with his people called both to worship and to serve him in all of life.[1]
Today is day four of the week of prayer for Christian Unity, which is celebrated around the world from January 18th – 25th. As we continue this year’s week of prayer for Christian Unity, we join our brothers and sisters in Christ around the world in praying for peace, love, justice and unity in our divided and conflicted world so we can better build God’s Kingdom here on earth. May God in His infinite grace and mercy, look down with pity upon us and keep us all united in peace, love and faith, so that we may all be truly one in Christ…Amen🙏
All Christian Churches and communities worldwide are invited to use the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2025 resources to pray together for the unity among churches throughout the year.
Material for each day of the Week of Prayer. The texts provided for personal or communal prayer for each of the eight days include two scripture readings and a psalm. The biblical texts for each day highlight in turn key statements of the Nicene Creed.
Day 1: The fatherhood and care of God who rules the universe Day 2: Creation as God’s work Day 3: The Incarnation of the Son Day 4: The Paschal Mystery: Passion, Death and Resurrection of Jesus Day 5: The Holy Spirit, the giver of life and joy Day 6: The Church: Community of believers Day 7: Baptism into the Death and Resurrection of the Lord Day 8: Waiting for the Kingdom and the life to come
Reflections and Prayer Links for 2025 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity:
FEAST AND SAINT(S) OF THE DAY: FEAST DAY ~ JANUARY 21, 2025
FEAST OF OUR LADY OF HIGH GRACE (OUR LADY OF ALTAGRACIA)
Today is day four of the week of prayer for Christian Unity, and day six of the novena for the protection of human life. As we continue this year’s week of prayer for Christian Unity, and novena for life, we join our brothers and sisters in Christ around the world in praying for the safety, well-being and protection of the life of every human person, from conception to natural death and for peace, love, justice and unity in our divided and conflicted world so we can better build God’s Kingdom here on earth.
Greetings and blessings, beloved family. Happy Tuesday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time!
We pray for God’s grace and mercy upon us through this Ordinary Time, and may the Lord grant us the grace to serve Him in spirit and in truth🙏
WEEK OF PRAYER FOR CHRISTIAN UNITY 2025: Started Saturday, January 18, 2024 and ends Saturday, January 25, 2025 [Reflections and Prayer links below]
9 DAYS FOR LIFE: PRAY TO PROTECT HUMAN LIFE 9 Days for Life is a novena for the protection of human life. January 16-24, 2025 [Prayer and Novena link below]
OPENING OF THE HOLY DOORS | JUBILEE OF HOPE 2025 [Details and links below]
Watch “Holy Mass and Holy Rosary on EWTN | January 21, 2025” |
Watch “Holy Mass from the National Shrine of the Divine Mercy” | January 21, 2025 |
Pray “Holy Rosary for Peace with Pope Francis” | LIVE Basilica of St. Mary Major | October 6, 2024 |
Pray “Holy Rosary Novena From Lourdes” | January 21, 2025 |
Pray “The Chaplet of Divine Mercy in song”| January 21, 2025 |
Pray “Holy Rosary ALL 20 Mysteries VIRTUAL🌹JOYFUL🌹LUMINOUS🌹SORROWFUL🌹GLORIOUS” oùn YouTube |
Memorare Chaplet | Prayer in Difficult Times (Powerful Prayer) |
Today’s Bible Readings: Tuesday, January 21, 2025 Reading 1, Hebrews 6:10-20 Responsorial Psalm, Psalms 111:1-2, 4-5, 9-10 Gospel, Mark 2:23-28
A PRAYER FOR PEACE:* Lord Jesus Christ, You are the true King of peace. In You alone is found freedom. Please free our world from conflict. Bring unity to troubled nations. Let Your glorious peace reign in every heart. Dispel all darkness and evil. Protect the dignity of every human life. Replace hatred with Your love. Give wisdom to world leaders. Free them from selfish ambition. Eliminate all violence and war. Glorious Virgin Mary, Saint Michael the Archangel, Every Angel and Saint: Please pray for peace. Pray for unity amongst nations. Pray for unity amongst all people. Pray for the most vulnerable. Pray for those suffering. Pray for the fearful. Pray for those most in need. Pray for us all. Jesus, Son of the Living God, have mercy on us. Jesus, hear our prayers. Jesus, I trust in You! Amen 🙏
9 Days for Life is a novena for the protection of human life. Each day’s intention is accompanied by a short reflection and suggested actions to help build a culture of life. We continue our novena for life prayer, we pray for the protection of human life. We particularly pray for the safety and well-being of the unborn and all children. May the good Lord protect the life of every human person, from conception to natural death. Amen 🙏🏽
“Thus says the LORD who made you, who formed you from the womb and will help you: Fear not, O Jacob my servant, and thou, Jeshurun, whom I have chosen.” ~ Isaiah 44:2
PRAYER FOR THE UNBORN: Lord, Creator of Life, You have blessed us with the privilege of bringing new life into the world. Open our hearts and minds to recognize Your special gift of children and Your great love for each of us created in Your image and likeness. Through love, You sent your Son Jesus to redeem us, and through love, He entered our world as an unborn child in the womb of Mary, His mother. We now turn to Mary for her prayers and intercession as we struggle to protect innocent unborn children from decisions that seek to destroy them. Following Mary’s example as mother and disciple, let us proclaim the truth of our faith, assist those in crisis, and protect those most vulnerable, unwanted, and unloved. May the good Lord protect the life of every human person, from conception to natural death. Amen 🙏🏽
WEEK OF PRAYER FOR CHRISTIAN UNITY 2025: January 18-25, 2025
Theme for 2025 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity: “Do you believe this?” (John 11:26)
Today is day four of the week of prayer for Christian Unity, which is celebrated around the world from January 18th – 25th. As we continue this year’s week of prayer for Christian Unity, we join our brothers and sisters in Christ around the world in praying for peace, love, justice and unity in our divided and conflicted world so we can better build God’s Kingdom here on earth. May God in His infinite grace and mercy, look down with pity upon us and keep us all united in peace, love and faith, so that we may all be truly one in Christ…Amen🙏
All Christian Churches and communities worldwide are invited to use the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2025 resources to pray together for the unity among churches throughout the year.
Material for each day of the Week of Prayer. The texts provided for personal or communal prayer for each of the eight days include two scripture readings and a psalm. The biblical texts for each day highlight in turn key statements of the Nicene Creed.
Day 1: The fatherhood and care of God who rules the universe Day 2: Creation as God’s work Day 3: The Incarnation of the Son Day 4: The Paschal Mystery: The Incarnation, Passion, Death and Resurrection of Jesus Day 5: The Holy Spirit, the giver of life and joy Day 6: The Church: Community of believers Day 7: Baptism into the Death and Resurrection of the Lord Day 8: Waiting for the Kingdom and the life to come
Reflections and Prayer Links for 2025 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity:
On this Feast day, through the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary, and all the Saints, we humbly pray and thank God for blessing us all with the gift of His precious son, our Savior Jesus Christ! For the safety and well-being of all our children and children all over the world. We pray for God’s guidance and protection upon them. We continue to pray for peace all around the world, particularly in the Middle East, Ukraine-Russia and other parts of the world. We pray for an end to the wars and conflicts, and for peace in our families and throughout our divided and conflicted World. For the gentle repose of the souls of all the faithful departed, may the Lord receive them into the light of Eternal Kingdom. Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May their gentle souls and souls of all the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in perfect peace with our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen 🙏 ✝️🕯✝️🕯✝️🕯
“Blessed are those who have died in the Lord; let them rest from their abors for their good deeds go with them.” ~ Rev 14:13
PRAYER FOR THE DEAD: In your hands, O Lord, we humbly entrust our brothers and sisters. In this life, you embraced them with your tender love; deliver them now from every evil, and bid them eternal rest. The old order has passed away: welcome them into paradise, where there will be no sorrow, no weeping or pain, but fullness of peace and joy with your Son and the Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen🙏
PRAYER FOR THE VICTIMS OF WILDFIRES AND DISASTERS: We continue to pray for the victims of the current wildfires in the United States (Los Angeles, California) and victims of natural disasters across the world. We especially pray for those that have lost their lives and their families.
“Most Merciful God, Be “our refuge and our strength, an ever-present help in distress” (Psalm 46:1). You created us and sustain us by Your almighty power. Your mercy knows no bounds. At this time of great suffering, we entrust all victims of the wildfires to You. Comfort them, fill them with Your grace, and provide for their needs. We entrust all who have died to Your merciful Heart. Cleanse them of their sins and welcome them into Your heavenly Kingdom. Give wisdom and prudence to those managing this disaster. Give courage and resolve to those on the front lines. Keep them safe and successful in their efforts. Command the winds and the flames to obey You, Lord, as You once calmed the stormy seas. Pour the water of Your grace upon these destructive fires. Stay them with Your powerful hand. Angels of God, come to the aid of those most in need of God’s mercy. Protect them, guide them, and reveal to them God’s holy will. St. Florian, patron of firefighters, pray for those bravely battling the flames. St. Michael the Archangel, defend them in their peril. Saints in Heaven, we beseech your prayer. Intercede for those most in need. From this tragedy and chaos, bring hope and peace. Turn sorrow into compassion. Turn confusion into faith. Turn despair into divine hope. We place all our trust in You, Most Merciful God, knowing that You will bring forth new life and healing from the ashes of this trial. May Your name be glorified now and forever. Amen” 🙏🏽
FEAST AND SAINTS OF THE DAY: FEAST OF OUR LADY OF HIGH GRACE (OUR LADY OF ALTAGRACIA) | MEMORIAL OF SAINT AGNES, VIRGIN AND MARTYR – FEAST DAY ~ JANUARY 21ST: Today, we celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of High Grace (Our Lady of Altagracia) and the Memorial of Saint Agnes, Virgin and Martyr.
OUR LADY OF HIGH GRACE (OUR LADY OF ALTAGRACIA): Also referred to as “Our Lady of la Altagracia” and “the Virgin de la Altagracia”. The image of Our Lady of Altagracia has long been venerated in the Extremadura region of Spain. It dates back to when Spain first colonized the Caribbean Island of Hispaniola (today, Dominican Republic and Haiti) since early 1500’s. According to popular legend, two Spanish brothers, Alfonso and Antonio de Trejo, brought a painting of the Virgin to Hispaniola from their home in Placencia, in the region of Extremadura in 1502 to their new home in Higuey, located in the southeastern corner of the island of Santo Domingo. The brothers were the first European settlers of the Island and when they moved to the city of Higuey, they took the image with them. Later they offered it to the parish church so that everyone could venerate it. The first shrine was completed in 1572. The painting was moved to the Basilica of Our Lady of Altagracia after the cathedral was made a minor basilica by Pope Paul VI in December 1970 and in 1971 the present Basilica was consecrated.
Popular piety has it that the devout daughter of a rich merchant had asked her father to bring her a portrait of Our Lady of Altagracia from Santo Domingo, which she had dreamt about. The father tried to get it for her, but with no success. Neither clergymen nor tradesmen had ever heard that Marian title. Back at Higuey, the merchant decided to stay overnight at a friend’s house. After dinner, feeling sorry for his daughter’s disappointment when he should arrive empty-handed, he described to those present his unsuccessful search. As he spoke, an old man with a long beard, who was passing by, took out of his knapsack a rolled up painting and gave it to the merchant saying, “This is what you are looking for.” It was the Virgin of Altagracia. At day break the old man had disappeared. The merchant’s daughter cherished her painting, but every morning, she would awake to find the picture had moved from her house and was always found outside her house, under a small orange tree. This continued until the girl told her parents, these events were interpreted to mean that the image did not belong to one family, but to all Dominicans and should be displayed publicly in the local parish. The first shrine and larger temple was dedicated in 1572 and the current Basilica in 1971 to display the image of the “Highest Grace” or Divine Maternity to signify the grace of the Virgin Mary.
The image, encompassing the Holy Family, is the Nativity scene: Jesus in the manger (naked and poor in his humanity; asleep, but he will rise); Mother Mary with a ray of light “white as snow” (adorned with stars and crowned; veiled as the virgin bride) with hands in prayer, clearly plays the central role; Saint Joseph with a candle (in the background as he is only the adopted father of Jesus; haloed for his sanctity; offering light as a service); The star of the Magi (God; light; guide) and The dark, cave-like background (the world in sin). The image of Our Lady of Altagracia had the privilege of being crowned twice: on August 15, 1922 – during the pontificate of Pius XI – It was declared that January 21st would be a National holiday by the President of the Dominican Republic, Doctor Joaquin Antonio Balaguer Ricardo. And Pope John Paul II, on January 25, 1979, during his visit to Santo Domingo at the Puerta del Conde, personally crowned the image with a golden silver tiara, his personal gift to the Virgin, the first evangelizer of the Americas. Our Lady of Altagracia is the Patroness of the island of Hispaniola, the island containing the nations of Haiti and the Dominican Republic where the evangelization of the New World began. The two national holiday dedicated to the Virgin Mary in Dominican Republic are: Our Lady of High Grace, Protector and Queen of the hearts of the Dominicans, celebrated on January 21st and Our Lady of Mercy, the principal patroness who was so proclaimed in 1616 during the Spanish colonial rule, celebrated on September 24th.
PRAYER: Most Holy Virgin of Altagracia, from the bottom of our hearts, we thank you for the continuous blessings you pour down on us. From your hands and from your maternal heart we receive, each day, the sustenance given to us by our Heavenly Father. You are our defender when we are in danger, our aid when we are in need and our hope in the sacrifices proper of our Christian life. Through your Immaculate Heart we want to sing a song of thanksgiving to God for all the blessings he has given us. We promise you, O Mother, gratitude and fidelity. You will reign forever in our homes and our town where we will venerate you as our Lady and Mother by growing in all your virtues. Make us worthy of being called your daughters so that serving God and you on this world, we will obtain the highest grace you bring to us: a holy death that will open to us the gates of heaven. Amen🙏
SAINT AGNES, VIRGIN AND MARTYR: St. Agnes also known as Saint Agnes of Rome (c. 291–304 A.D.) was born to a wealthy noble Roman family during the last decade of the third century in 291. On the feast day of St. Agnes, whose name means “lamb” in Latin – the Pope traditionally blesses lambs, whose wool will be used to make the white pallium worn by archbishops. The name “Agnes” in Greek means “chaste, pure, sacred”. St. Agnes suffered martyrdom for her consecration to Christ during the bloody persecution of the Emperor Diocletian around 304 at the age of the thirteen and became one of the best known and most highly regarded of the Roman Martyrs. Her name is still retained in the First Eucharistic Prayer for Holy Mass. St. Agnes is one of the seven women, besides the Virgin Mary, commemorated by name in the Roman Canon of the Mass.
St. Agnes lived in Rome during the last major persecution of the early Church under the Emperor Diocletian. Though he was lenient toward believers for much of his rule, Diocletian changed course in 302, resolving to wipe out the Church in the empire. St. Agnes came of age as the Church was beginning to suffer under a set of new laws decreed by Diocletian, and his co-ruler Galerius, in 303. The emperor and his subordinate called for churches to be destroyed and their books burned. Subsequent orders led to the imprisonment and torture of clergy and laypersons, for the sake of compelling them to worship the emperor instead of Christ. Meanwhile, Agnes had become a young woman of great beauty and charm, drawing the attention of suitors from the first ranks of the Roman aristocracy. But in keeping with the words of Christ and Saint Paul, she had already decided on a life of celibacy for the sake of God’s kingdom. To all interested men, she explained that she had already promised herself to a heavenly and unseen spouse. These suitors both understood Agnes’ meaning, and resented her resolution. Some of the men, possibly looking to change her mind, reported her to the state as a believer in Christ. Agnes was brought before a judge who tried first to persuade her, and then to threaten her, into renouncing her choice not to marry for the Lord’s sake. When the judge showed her the various punishments he could inflict – including fire, iron hooks, or the rack that destroyed the limbs by stretching, St. Agnes smiled and indicated she would suffer them willingly. But she was brought before a pagan altar instead, and asked to make an act of worship in accordance with the Roman state religion. When Agnes refused, the judge ordered that she should be sent to a house of prostitution, where the virginity she had offered to God would be violated. Agnes predicted that God would not allow this to occur, and her statement proved true. Legends say that the first man to approach her in the brothel was struck blind by a sudden flash of light, and others opted not to repeat his mistake.
But one of the men who had at first sought to make Agnes his own, now lobbied the judge for her execution. In this respect, the suitor obtained his desire, when the public official sentenced her to die by beheading. The executioner gave her one last chance to spare her life, by renouncing her consecration to Christ – but St. Agnes refused, made a short prayer, and courageously submitted to death. Amid the tears of the spectators, she was put her to death by beheading. She was buried on the Via Nomentana, and Constantine erected a church in her honor. St. Agnes, who died in 304, was venerated as a holy martyr from the fourth century onward. She’s Patron Saint of girls, virgins, children, Affianced couples; betrothed couples; bodily purity; chastity; Children of Mary; Colegio Capranica of Rome; crops; engaged couples; gardeners; Girl Scouts; rape victims; diocese of Rockville Centre, New York.
ST. AGNES PRAYER FOR PROTECTION OF THE YOUNG: O Little St. Agnes, so young and yet made so strong and wise by the power of God, protect by your prayers all the young people of every place whose goodness and purity are threatened by the evils and impurities of this world. Give them strength in temptation and a true repentance when they fail. Help them to find true Christian friends to accompany them in following the Lamb of God and finding safe pastures in His Church and in her holy sacraments. May you lead us to the wedding banquet of heaven to rejoice with you and all the holy virgin martyrs in Christ who lives and reigns forever and ever. Amen🙏
PRAYER: All-powerful and ever-living God, You choose the weak in this world to confound the powerful. As we celebrate the anniversary of the martyrdom of St. Agnes, may we like her remain constant in Faith. Amen🙏
SCRIPTURE REFLECTIONS:
Bible Readings for today’s Holy Mass: Tuesday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time (Year B) | Memorial of Saint Agnes, Virgin and Martyr | USCCB |https://bible.usccb.org/daily-bible-reading
Gospel Reading ~ Mark 2:23-28
“The sabbath was made for people, not people for the sabbath”
“As Jesus was passing through a field of grain on the sabbath, his disciples began to make a path while picking the heads of grain. At this the Pharisees said to him, “Look, why are they doing what is unlawful on the sabbath?” He said to them, “Have you never read what David did when he was in need and he and his companions were hungry? How he went into the house of God when Abiathar was high priest and ate the bread of offering that only the priests could lawfully eat, and shared it with his companions?” Then he said to them, “The sabbath was made for man, not man for the sabbath. That is why the Son of Man is lord even of the sabbath.”
In today’s Gospel reading, there is a sharp contrast between how the Pharisees interpreted the Jewish Law relating to the Sabbath and how Jesus interpreted that Law. The Pharisees were quite rigid in their interpretation of the Sabbath Law. The Pharisees are portrayed as people who are very conscientious about upholding the religious law, in this case the law of the Sabbath. Jesus’ disciples were picking ears of corn as they walked along and then eating the corn. The Pharisees saw this as a form of reaping, an activity that was forbidden on the Sabbath. The Lord rebuked those Pharisees by quoting the example from the Scripture, how the venerated and well-respected King David of Israel and his companions were allowed to eat from the bread reserved only for the priests at the House of God. Neither David nor his companions were members of the priestly order, but they were allowed to eat when they were very hungry. Jesus, while respectful of the Jewish religious law, was much more sensitive to human needs and to the necessity for such needs to be met, in this case the need for food. For Jesus, law, including religious law, should be at the service of people’s basic human needs, rather than be an obstacle to having them met. In that sense, people were more important than regulations. As Jesus said, ‘the Sabbath was made for humanity, not humanity for the Sabbath’. The Gospel reading raises the question of priorities. What is it that really matters? Jesus would say that people’s basic human needs are what matter. That is why there is and should be an outcry about what is happening in those parts of the world where people’s basic human needs for food, water and shelter are being denied in pursuit of some goal or ideal. Our basic humanity, with its primary needs and basic rights, is what unites us as human beings. Our faith calls upon us to be humanists, in the sense of reverencing our own humanity and the humanity of others and working to ensure that people’s basic human needs and rights are being met. Jesus’ understanding of the religious law of His time was always shaped by His compassion for those in greatest need. He embodied God’s gracious presence, which made him master of the Sabbath and of all religious law. To walk in the way of Jesus is always to give greater priority to the total well being of people than to the laws of the institution.
Our first reading today from the Epistle to the Hebrews are reminders from the author directed to the Jewish community and people of everything that the Lord their God has promised and reassured to them again and again throughout history, referring to the promises of the Covenant He had made with Abraham and others among His servants and people, and how it was the perseverance shown by Abraham and those who are faithful to the Lord which has earned them all their inheritance and blessings from God. Through God and His love, and their constant and enduring obedience and faith in Him, all of those faithful people of God have been truly blessed and become reminders for us all that God has given us all so wonderful a blessing.
As we reflect on the words of the Sacred Scriptures today, we are all reminded and reassured of the constant and ever enduring love of God which He has always shown us throughout time and history, and which He has again and again renewed through His many promises made to us through His own words and through the prophets. And all these promises were not just mere empty words, as they all had been formalised and made complete, fulfilled and accomplished through none other than Jesus Christ, the Saviour of the whole world, Who has come into our midst to reveal to us the fullness of God’s love and grace, His mercy and kindness made tangible and real, approachable to us all. We are therefore reminded through these Scripture passages today that we must always be truly faithful to the Lord and put our whole trust in Him, be filled with true and genuine love in Him and not merely observing His Law and commandments without truly understanding and appreciating their true importance, purpose and significance. If we want to be truly faithful to the Lord, then we must not be like those Pharisees who placed greater importance in their own selfish desires and personal ambitions in achieving their pious actions and practices so that they might be praised by others and be honoured for doing so. This is why all of us as Christians should always put God first and foremost in our lives, as Abraham and many of our predecessors had done before us. We are all called to emulate the Holy men and women of God, the Saints, particularly the Feast of Our Lady of High Grace (Our Lady of Altagracia) and the Memorial of Saint Agnes, Virgin and Martyr, we celebrate today, the life and examples of Our Blessed Mother Mary and St. Agnes, holy woman and martyr of the Church. Let us all therefore learn to commit ourselves ever more, in each and every moments given to us, in every opportunities so that we may ever be courageous and most dedicated servant of God, with our lives and examples be the shining beacons of truth and the guiding light for everyone around us. May everyone know the Lord and His love by the love He has shown us and which we have reflected in our own lives, in our complete trust in God and in our love for our fellow brothers and sisters, for those who are less fortunate and in need for our love. May God in His infinite grace and mercy, grant us His grace and may the Lord continue to guide and strengthen each one of us so that we may draw ever closer to Him and His Presence, and may we all be found worthy to receive the fullness of His grace and love, in time to come. May God, our ever loving Master and Creator be with us all, and may He bless us in all our lives and in everything we do. Amen🙏
DEVOTION OF THE MONTH OF JANUARY | MONTH OF THE HOLY NAME OF JESUS: The month of January is traditionally dedicated to the Holy Name of Jesus. After the Blessed Virgin Mary conceived by the Holy Spirit, the Angel Gabriel appeared to St. Joseph and told him that the Child’s name should be called Jesus, meaning “God Saves.” According to Jewish law, on the 8th day after his birth a male child was to be circumcised, receive his name, and become a full member of God’s covenant people. According to the old Roman liturgical calendar, the Feast of the Circumcision of Jesus was celebrated on January 1st, eight days after Christmas, the same day that He was given His sacred name. Currently we celebrate the Solemnity of the Mother of God on January 1st and honor the Holy Name of Jesus on January 3rd. For Catholics, Jesus’ sacred name is the object of a special devotion symbolized by the monogram “IHS,” (sometimes called a Christogram), which is the first three letters of the Greek spelling of His name.
THE POPE’S MONTHLY INTENTIONS FOR 2025: FOR THE MONTH OF JANUARY – FOR THE RIGHT TO EDUCATION: Let us pray for migrants, refugees, and those affected by war, that their right to an education, which is necessary to build a better world, might always be respected.
PRAYER INTENTIONS: Through the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary and the Saints, on this feast day, we humbly pray and thank God for blessing us all with the gift of His precious son, may we be saved by the name of our Savior Jesus Christ! And as we begin the Ordinary Time, may the Lord grant us the grace to serve Him in spirit and in truth. We pray for peace, love and unity in our marriages, our families and our world today, as we face these incredibly challenging times. We pray for God’s deliverance from impossible causes or situations. We pray for the sick and dying, especially sick children, those who are sick with heart diseases, strokes, mental illness, and those suffering from cancers and other terminal diseases. We pray for torture victims, the poor, the needy and the most vulnerable in our communities and around the world. We pray for the souls in Purgatory and the repose of the souls of the faithful departed and for all widows and widowers. And we continue to pray for our Holy Father, Pope Francis, the Bishops, the Clergy and all those who preach the Gospel. We pray for vocations to the priesthood and religious life, for the Church, for persecuted christians, for all the innocent who suffer violence due to political or religious unrest, for the conversion of sinners, and Christians all over the world… Amen🙏
Let us pray:
My merciful Judge, give me a heart of compassion and mercy toward all. Remove from my heart all judgmentalness and criticalness. I leave all judgment to You, dear Lord, and seek only to be an instrument of Your love and mercy. Jesus, I trust in You ~ Amen 🙏
Save Us, Savior of the World. Our Mother Mary, Our Lady of Altagracia and Saint Agnes ~ Pray for us🙏
Please find below links to the websites for Daily Reflections, Foundation and interesting topics and articles about our Catholic faith and doctrines:
Thanking God for the gift of this new year and praying for justice, peace, love and unity in our families and our world and for God’s Divine Mercy and Grace upon us all as we begin this Ordinary Time. Wishing all of us a most blessed, safe, healthy, prosperous and grace-filled New Year and week. Amen🙏
Ezekiel 36:24-28 Psalm 104:24-25, 27-29, 33-34 John 3:4-8
Patristic Reading
From the Syriac tradition
It is not correct to say that the Spirit departs when we sin to return when we are converted … What good is it for me if he dwells in me after I have become righteous? If at the time of the fall he does not dwell in me, does not give me a hand, and does not raise me up, how will I feel his help? What physician, when he sees a sick person who falls sick, leaves and abandons him, to come to him when he becomes healthy? Is it not more useful that the physician be with the sick person at the time of his illness?
–Philoxenus of Mabbug [c. 440-523], On the Inhabitation of the Holy Spirit
For reflection:
God’s Spirit renews the face of the earth every day, calling us to cooperation.
What are the sources of joy in your life and how are they related to the Holy Spirit?
Where do we see the Holy Spirit at work, overcoming our divisions and drawing us into deeper unity, and how can we join in this work?
Prayer
R/ Amen, amen! Alleluia!
You are the Spirit breathed upon the face of Adam: making human flesh a living being. R/
You are the Spirit given by the Risen One: our sins have been forgiven. R/
You are the Spirit sent at Pentecost: you opened the way for the Gospel to reach all people. R/
You are the Spirit that awakens our prayer: we are held in God’s love. R/
You are the Spirit of God poured out upon the dead: the graves will be opened, and the dead will rise R/
Let us pray:
God our Father, you have revealed to us the wondrous mystery of your life, sending your Son into the world and sharing with us your Spirit of holiness and joy. Let us rejoice in the Spirit, who renews the face of the earth and draws us towards unity. We confess our faith in you, the One God, three times Holy: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Blessed are you, now and for ever and ever. AMEN.
Alternative Patristic Readings
From the Greek tradition
This is my God, the Lord of all, who alone stretched out the heavens and established the breadth of the earth under it, … who founded the earth upon the waters and gave a spirit to nourish it; whose breath gives light to the whole, who, if he withdrew his breath, the whole would utterly fail. By him you speak, O man. His breath you breathe yet him you know not.
Theophilus of Antioch [2nd century], Ad Autolycus, I:7
From the Latin tradition
“Your heavenly Father will give the good Spirit to those who ask him.” This is the Spirit by virtue of whom is poured out in our hearts the love with which we observe the divine commandments, by loving God and neighbour. This is the Spirit by virtue of whom we cry out: “Abba, Father”. It is therefore the Spirit who gives us the capacity to ask, and it is the same Spirit whom we desire to receive. It is he who makes us seek, and it is he whom we desire to find.
Augustine of Hippo [354-430], Exposition on Psalm 118, 14:2
Alternative Canadian Readings
The Spirit blesses us with various gifts. We seek to discover those gifts and to use them for our Lord. Faithful loving service is a sign that the Spirit is present.
The presence of the Spirit is evident where people are made whole, encouraged,
“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. ~ Psalm 139:13-14
We remember today the tragic United States Supreme Court decision, Roe v. Wade, issued on January 22, 1973, that essentially legalized abortion in all fifty states for almost fifty years. By God’s grace, that decision was finally overturned on June 24, 2022, by the Supreme Court case Dobbs v. Jackson. The over 60 million abortions since the 1973 decisions of Roe v. Wade and Doe v. Bolton reflect with heartbreaking magnitude what Pope Francis means by a “throwaway culture.” However, we have great trust in God’s providence. We are reminded time and again in Scripture to seek the Lord’s help, and as people of faith, we believe that our prayers are heard. And while the decision of the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization to overturn Roe v. Wade on on June 24, 2022 gives us much to be grateful for, the battle for the sanctity of life must continue, since the Dobbs v. Jackson ruling simply deferred the decision on abortion to state legislatures. Thus, abortion remains legal in the majority of states in the United States and continues to be legal in many other countries around the world. So, great prayer and advocacy is still very needed.
The General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM), no. 373, designates January 22 as a particular day of prayer and penance, called the “Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children”: In all the Dioceses of the United States of America, January 22nd (or January 23rd, when January 22nd falls on a Sunday) shall be observed as a particular day of prayer for the full restoration of the legal guarantee of the right to life and of penance for violations to the dignity of the human person committed through acts of abortion. The most vulnerable and at-risk human beings need you, as does every mother who finds herself in an unplanned pregnancy. They need your prayers and your acts of penance—that every mother makes the choice for life, and that the right to life will be enshrined in civil law throughout the world. Don’t underestimate the power of your prayers and penance. Unite yourself to the Body of Christ, and do your part to bring healing to the past and true hope for the future.
Eternal truths never change. “Human life must be respected and protected absolutely from the moment of conception. From the first moment of his existence, a human being must be recognized as having the rights of a person—among which is the inviolable right of every innocent being to life.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church #2270). Let us pray for the respect and protection of life at its earliest and most vulnerable stage, as Pope John Paul II once exhorted: “Please God you may continue, closely united with one another, to be a force of renewal and hope in our society. May the Lord help you to work ceaselessly to enable all, believers and non-believers alike, to understand that protection of human life from conception is an essential condition for building a future worthy of the human being.”
“A great prayer for life is urgently needed, a prayer which will rise up throughout the world. Through special initiatives and in daily prayer, may an impassioned plea rise to God, the Creator and lover of life, from every Christian community, from every group and association, from every family and from the heart of every believer.” ~ Pope Saint John Paul II “Evangelium Vitae,” No. 100
The liturgical celebrations for this day may be the “Mass For Giving Thanks to God for the Gift of Human Life” (no. 48/1 of the Masses and Prayers for Various Needs and Occasions), celebrated with white vestments, or the Mass “For the Preservation of Peace and Justice” (no. 30 of the Masses and Prayers for Various Needs and Occasions), celebrated with violet vestments.
PRAYER: Most precious Lord, You dwelt within the womb of your dear mother, sanctifying the womb and elevating the dignity of all human life. Heavenly Father, and Mother Mary, today we storm heaven with our prayers, fasting, and almsgiving in the hope that all unborn children will be protected in law so that they can grow into the men and women you planned them to be. Amen🙏
