God the Father was very merciful: he sent his creative Word who, in coming to deliver us, came to the very place and spot in which we had lost life, and broke the bonds of our fetters. His light appeared and made the darkness of the prison disappear and hallowed our birth and destroyed death, loosing those same fetters in which we were enchained.
–Irenaeus of Lyon [c. 135-198], Demonstration of the Apostolic Preaching, 38
For reflection:
We know that we will all die. How does belief in Jesus destroying death change the way we approach this reality?
“God lets himself be pushed out of the world on to the cross. He is weak and powerless in the world, and that is precisely the way, the only way, in which he is with us and helps us.” (Dietrich Bonhoeffer)
As the Risen One, Jesus is with us until the end of all time. In what ways does his companionship encourage you in your daily life?
Prayer
R: Glory and praise to you, O Lord
Blessed are you, O Christ, Firstborn of all creation: you are crowned with glory and honour. R/
At your Name every knee will bend in heaven and on earth and under the earth and every tongue will confess that you are the Lord. R/
Let us rejoice and sing praises to you, O Christ, beloved Son of the Father: you are the Risen One, you call us to live in you. R/
We adore you, we glorify you, for you are King of kings and Lord of lords: you have opened to us the kingdom of heaven. R/
We give you thanks at all times and we bless your Name: you are with us always, to the end of the age. R/
Let us pray
Lord our God, glorifying your Son Jesus, you have freed us from death. Through his resurrection, awaken our slumbering hearts, enlighten all who seek you
and make the morning star shine upon us, Jesus Christ, the Living One, who is Lord for ever and ever. AMEN.
Alternative Patristic Readings
From the Greek tradition
The Saviour came down to earth out of mercy for mankind. He fully suffered our passions, before he suffered the cross and deigned to take on our flesh. For if he had not suffered, he would not have come to dwell in the midst of human life. First he suffered, then he descended and was seen. What is that passion which he suffered for us? The passion of charity.
–Origen of Alexandria [c. 185-254], Homilies on Ezekiel, 6:6
From the Syriac tradition
The body thanks you, that it was saved by your humiliation. It was a strayed sheep, and the lion lay in ambush to dismember it, and sin in secret is the beast that tears it into pieces Instead of our body you delivered your body to that death that devoured us but was not sated. By you alone it was sated and destroyed. –Ephrem of Nisibis [c. 306-373], Hymn on Virginity, 37:5
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:
Greetings and blessings, beloved family. Happy Monday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time!
Happy Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) Day (USA)!
Today, as we celebrate and honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., we humbly pray for peace, love, justice, and unity in our families, our marriages, and the world. We pray for an end to violence, injustice, racism, war, and religious and political unrest in our world today as we face these incredibly challenging times.
On this day, we pray for world leaders, past, current, and future leaders of nations, especially those elected to serve in public service at all levels. We pray that world leaders would seek after peace, justice, mercy, truth, and freedom for all people and serve with wisdom, compassion, and integrity to see beyond differences and to work together peacefully. May the good Lord use our world leaders to bring about positive change in the world and that they would be a source of hope and encouragement to those around them. We trust in the Lord’s goodness and faithfulness, as we pray for the safety and well-being of all world leaders and particularly pray for the outgoing president of the United States, Joe Biden and for the incoming president elect of the United States, Donald Trump, we pray for a safe and successful presidential inauguration and leadership. Amen🙏🏽
Reflecting on the message of Pope Francis for World Peace Day this year with the theme, ‘Forgive us our trespasses: Grant us your peace’. The message speaks of how we must listen to the ‘pleas of an endangered humanity’, how the year of Jubilee inspires us to seek the liberating justice of God in our world and how by ‘opening our hearts to our brothers and sisters, we will restore God’s justice on earth’ and ‘move forward to achieve the goal of peace’.
This Year of Hope, or Jubilee Year of Hope, is a time of spiritual renewal, reconciliation, and pilgrimage. It is a time for us to deepen our faith with hopeful anticipation and renew our relationship with Christ, and live our lives with hope, faith, and love. We are all made in the image and likeness of God (Genesis 1:26). May God keep us all united in peace, love, and faith, and may the good Lord help us to be instruments of peace and reconciliation in our families and our divided and conflicted world. Amen 🙏🏽
“It really boils down to this: that all life is interrelated. We are all caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied into a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one destiny, affects all indirectly.” ~ Martin Luther King Jr.
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 20, 2025” |
Watch “Holy Mass from the National Shrine of the Divine Mercy” | January 20, 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 20, 2025 |
Pray “The Chaplet of Divine Mercy in song”| January 20, 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 three 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:
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 FABIAN, POPE AND MARTYR; SAINT SEBASTIAN, MARTYR AND BLESSED CYPRIAN MICHAEL IWENE TANSI, PRIEST – FEAST DAY ~ JANUARY 20TH: Today, we celebrate the Memorial of Saint Fabian, Pope and Martyr; Saint Sebastian, Martyr and Blessed Cyprian Michael Iwene Tansi, Priest. On this feast day, through the intercession of St. Fabian (Patron Saint of Rome) St. Sebastian (Patron Saint of athletes, soldiers, and victims of the plague.) and Blessed Cyprian Michael Iwene Tansi (Patron of Nigerian priests), we humbly pray for peace and unity in our divided and conflicted world and pray for all places where the Church suffers persecution and for all who face death, danger, or isolation for their faith. Most especially for all who live where the Church is accepted and thrives in peace that this peace will not make their faith flabby and weak, we ask this through Christ our Lord…Amen🙏
SAINT FABIAN, POPE AND MARTYR: St. Fabian was Pope from 236 to 250, succeeding St. Anterus. Pope Pontian had resigned his post in 235 — making him the first pontiff in history to do so — when both he and Hippolytus were exiled to Sardinia by Roman officials. After him came St. Anterus, but Anterus lasted a mere 43 days, likely dying a martyr’s death under Emperor Maximinus Thrax’s heavy-handed reign. So, in early January of the year 236, the Roman Church gathered to find a new Successor of St. Peter. Fabian, a mere Roman layman at that point, had come in from the countryside to watch the proceedings. St. Eusebius, the Church’s earliest and best-known historian for that time period, recounts that many worthy candidates were proposed. Over the course of 13 days of deliberation, Fabian, “although present, was in the mind of none.” On the final day of the proceedings, however, it’s said that a dove “flying down lighted on his head, resembling the descent of the Holy Spirit on the Saviour in the form of a dove.” This sign united the votes of clergy and laity, and he was chosen unanimously. Eusebius, writing barely 75 years after Fabian’s death, went on: “Thereupon all the people, as if moved by one Divine Spirit, with all eagerness and unanimity cried out that [Fabian] was worthy, and without delay they took him and placed him upon the episcopal seat.”
St. Fabian served the Church from January 10, 236 to January 20, 250 as our 20th pope, at a time when Christianity was still very much illegal. Despite that, he was able to get along with the imperial government relatively well, and was known for many good deeds. The new pontiff’s reign mercifully coincided with a period of little violence, so Fabian had 14 solid years to govern and build up the Church in relative peace. He’s said to have divided Rome’s Christian communities into seven districts, most notably assigning a deacon to oversee each one and appointing subdeacons to collect stories and acts of the martyrs. He sent St. Dionysius and other preachers of the Gospel into Gaul, and condemned Privatus, the originator of a new heresy in Africa. St. Fabian’s storied reign ended at the midway point of the 3rd Century, when Decius came to power as Roman emperor. The ensuing Decian persecution, in which Christians were ordered to worship pagan gods or be killed, saw St. Fabian become one of its earliest victims, he received the crown of martyrdom. St. Fabian led the Church for 14 years and died a martyr’s death during the persecution of Decius on January 20, 250 A.D. Saint Cyprian, who related this latter fact, wrote to his successor that Fabian was an “incomparable” man whose glory in death matched the holiness and purity of his life. In the catacombs of Saint Callistus, the stone that covered St. Fabian’s grave may still be seen, broken into four pieces, bearing the Greek words, “Fabian, bishop, martyr.”
PRAYER: Lord God, You are the glory of priests. Through the prayers of the Martyr St. Fabian may we make progress in Faith and in fitting service. Amen🙏 SAINT SEBASTIAN, MARTYR: St. Sebastian (d. c. 288 A.D.) was born in Gaul, present-day France, to wealthy Italian parents. According to tradition he went to Rome to serve and encourage the Christians who were being persecuted under the Roman Emperor Diocletian. To do so effectively and without suspicion, he enrolled in the Roman army as an officer. In this position he did much to encourage the faith of the Christians in the face of brutal martyrdom, and in the process made many new converts through his gift of healing.
St. Sebastian had prudently concealed his religion, but he was at last detected as a Christian and accused before Diocletian, who condemned him to be shot to death by arrow. He was tied to a tree, and shot through with arrows. The sentence was executed to the extent that he was left for dead. Restored to health by the care of a pious widow, St. Irene of Rome. Being fully recovered, the Saint boldly appeared before the Emperor and reproached him for his injustice against the Christians. The Emperor, recovering from his surprise at beholding St. Sebastian alive, commanded that he be beaten to death with clubs. His body was thrown into a sewer; but a pious lady had it privately removed, and buried it in the catacombs. He’s Patron Saint of Archers; armourers; arrowsmiths; athletes; bookbinders; diseased cattle; dying people; enemies of religion; fletchers; gardeners; iron mongers; lacemakers; laceworkers; lead workers; masons; plague; police; racquet makers; Rio de Janeiro; soldiers; police officers; stone masons; stonecutters; victims of the plague and against enemies of religion.
“St. Sebastian, we ask your intercession to fortify all those who are weak in their faith. You gave heroic witness in leaving a high station to accept a near martyrdom, and then returned to suffer and die once and for all. Give us the grace to face our enemies when our weak nature wants to run the other way”
PRAYER: Lord, grant us a spirit of strength. Taught by the glorious example of Your Martyr St. Sebastian, may we learn how to obey You rather than men. Amen🙏
BLESSED CYPRIAN MICHAEL IWENE TANSI, PRIEST: Blessed Cyprian Michael Iwene Tansi (1903-1964) is Nigeria’s Patron Saint. In the USA we don’t liturgically have Blessed Cyprian on the calendar, but we ought to know about him and follow his example. First a secular priest and then a Trappist monk Tansi has a unique vocation of looking at both the interior life and the apostolate with new eyes. Blessed Cyprian Michael was born in 1903 in Igboezunu near the ancient city of Aguleri, Anambra State in Southern Nigeria to non-Christian, lgbo farming couple, Tabansi and Ejikwevi, who, practising the “traditional religion”, named him Iwene. However, in 1909 he was sent to live with his uncle, a Christian in a Christian village named Ndua where he was educated and baptized 3 years later and Christened Michael by Irish missionaries. Studious, diligent, ever demanding of himself, Michael possessed a precocious personality and a deep piety. The “school leaving certificate” he obtained at 16 years of age, qualified him to teach. He thus taught in Onitsha for 3 years and then was headmaster at St. Joseph’s school in Aguleri for another 3 years. In 1925 against the wishes of his family, Bl. Michael entered St. Paul’s Seminary in Igbariam and having finished his philosophy and theology he was ordained a priest in the Cathedral of Onitsha on December 19, 1937 by Bishop Charles Heerey – only the second indigenous priest of Onitsha and the first ever in the Aguleri region! Bl. Michael’s pastoral ministry commenced as Parish Priest first in the Umudioka region of Nnewi and then at Akpu until 1949. Shortly thereafter, when Bishop Charles Heerey, a missionary, expressed the desire to have one of his priests embrace the monastic life with a view to establishing a contemplative monastery in his diocese, Fr Tansi instantly showed his willingness. He was thus sent to the Trappist Abbey of Mount St Bernard in Leicestershire, England, where, as a novice he took the name Cyprian and made his solemn profession on 8 December 1956. In 1963, with 13 years of valuable experience as a Trappist behind him, just when the time seemed ripe for laying the foundations of a monastery in Nigeria, political compulsions led his superiors to choose neighbouring Cameroon. Though he was initially upset by this setback, he eventually accepted it all as God’s will.
In January 1964, the intense pain in one of his legs was diagnosed as a result of acute thrombosis. However, admitted unconscious on 19 January to the Royal Infirmary of Leicester, tests revealed an aortic aneurysm, a condition that led to his death the next morning. Fr. Tansi’s mortal remains, which were laid to rest at Mount St Bernard, were exhumed in 1988 and reburied in the priests’ cemetery near the Cathedral of Onitsha and later transferred to his parish church in Aguleri. He was beatified by Saint Pope John Paul II on March 22, 1998 in Nigeria. Fr. Tansi lived the monastic life with great faith and humility. Absorbed in prayer, he was a living example of patience and charity. Fr. Tansi used to say, “if you are going to be a Christian at all, you might as well live entirely for God”. Backed by intense prayer, Cyprian’s life was marked by fruitful activity that involved teaching, preaching, catechizing, setting up prayer centres that eventually became parishes, as also shelters for young women and girls for the purpose of Christian formation with a view to preparing them for marriage. He also established with remarkable success, the League of Mary for the moral education of the young. As a man of God and a man of the people, putting the interests and welfare of others ahead of his own, Blessed Cyprian Michael was an inspiration to everyone in the Nigeria he loved so much. He’s Patron Saint of Nigerian Priests.
PRAYER: A prayer to the Blessed: Blessed Cyprian Michael Tansi, during your life on earth you showed your great faith and love in giving yourself to your people and by the hidden life of prayer and contemplation. Look upon us now in our needs and intercede for us with the Lord. May he grant us the favour we ask through our prayers. Amen🙏
“The disciples of John and of the Pharisees were accustomed to fast. People came to Jesus and objected, “Why do the disciples of John and the disciples of the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast?” Jesus answered them, “Can the wedding guests fast while the bridegroom is with them? As long as they have the bridegroom with them they cannot fast. But the days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast on that day. No one sews a piece of unshrunken cloth on an old cloak. If he does, its fullness pulls away, the new from the old, and the tear gets worse. Likewise, no one pours new wine into old wineskins. Otherwise, the wine will burst the skins, and both the wine and the skins are ruined. Rather, new wine is poured into fresh wineskins.”
In today’s Gospel reading, from the Gospel according to St. Mark the Evangelist, our Lord Jesus was questioned by those people who asked Him on why those Pharisees and the disciples of St. John the Baptist carried out fasting and other pious practices but His disciples did not do the same. This was because at that time the Pharisees and the teachers of the Law were particularly strict in how they interpreted the Law of God, requiring all the people to follow the Law strictly, and one of them was the requirement for fasting, and how they ought to fast in the right manner. However, they placed so much emphasis and time focusing on how they observed and practiced the Law, that they ended up neglecting to follow the Lord faithfully and with God at the centre of all things. Our Lord Jesus presented to them all the parable of the new wine and wineskin, old wine and wineskin, as well as new cloth and old cloth. Jesus speaks of Himself as the bridegroom and He identifies His disciples as the bridegroom’s attendants. He also refers to His ministry as new wine. He says that nobody puts new wine into old wineskins. The old wineskins, such as the Jewish laws of fasting that had evolved over centuries, are not appropriate for the new wine that the divine bridegroom offers to all who would drink it. If Jesus is the bridegroom, we are all His bride. One of the images for the church in the New Testament is the bride of Christ. The language of bridegroom and bride to speak of the relationship between Jesus and ourselves emphasizes that love is at the heart of this relationship, faithful love, fidelity. Jesus is the faithful bridegroom; he is faithful to us, in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health. He looks to us to be as faithful to Him as He is to us. As we reflect on the parable in today’s Gospel, the parable is meant to highlight first of all the fact that the Lord’s coming revealed truths about the Lord and His Law, His intentions and desire for His people, all of us, to fulfil them all perfectly and to correct the erroneous ways that His will, His Law and commandments have been received by the people, particularly by those who interpreted the Law and practiced them. Secondly, it is also a reminder for us that if we truly want to follow the Lord wholeheartedly and completely, then there is a need for us all to follow His path and reject the old path of worldliness that we may be familiar with. Otherwise, if we do not do so, we are no better than hypocrites
Our first reading today is the continuation from the discourse by the author of the Epistle to the Hebrews on the nature and the works of the Messiah, in which the author continued to elaborate on the role which Christ as the Messiah had played in the story of our salvation. As the author was writing to the audience composed of the Jewish people, likely both those who have believed in the Lord and also those who have not yet believed, he explained in detail throughout this Epistle Who the true and real identity of Jesus Christ was, the One Whom the Jewish leaders and authorities had rejected, oppressed and then handed over to the Romans to be crucified. This Epistle to the Hebrews instead presented this crucifixion as part of the plan of the Lord in saving all of His people just as He has promised and prophesied through His prophets like the prophet Isaiah. The account from this Epistle further highlighted the actions that Christ has done at the pinnacle of His salvific mission, in offering on our behalf the perfect offering for all of our multitudes of sins, in the manner how the priests of the Israelites offered sacrificial offerings for the people of God. Those priests had to first offer sacrifices for themselves first because they themselves were sinners and had to atone for their own sins first, before offering the sacrifices on behalf of the people who came to them seeking their help. But it is different for the case of the Lord Jesus, the One and only True High Priest of all because He is perfect and without any taint of sin, and hence had no need to offer sin offering for Himself. And most amazingly, while He Himself is blameless and without any fault, He chose willingly to bear the blame and the punishment assigned to Him, imposed on Him by the Jewish leaders and authorities, who blamed on Him the fault of rebellion and blasphemy against God, that He was handed over to the Romans to be crucified. Yet, as those who were familiar with the Scriptures would realise, this persecution and suffering of the Messiah that God had sent to be with His people has been foretold by the prophets, and it was by this willing sacrifice that the Lord Jesus Christ, the Saviour of all, offered His own Most Precious Body and Blood on the Altar of His Cross, by which He has purchased all of us, once and for all, the redemption for all of our innumerable sins.
As we reflect on the words of the Sacred Scriptures today, all of us are reminded of the need for all of us as Christians to be filled with faith in the Lord, as well as love and care for our fellow brethren, at all times. Each and every one of us as Christians, as God’s holy and beloved people are called to commit ourselves wholeheartedly to the path that God has called us to walk through, following the examples of the Lord Himself, Our Saviour and High Priest Who has obeyed so perfectly the will of His Heavenly Father so that by His perfect obedience, He may show all of us mankind the path towards eternal life and salvation. He has become the perfect Man, the New Adam and the New Man that all of us as Christians are called to follow and embody in our own lives, embracing wholeheartedly our Christian faith in everything that we say and do at all times. From the lives and examples of the Saints, Holy men and women, especially those who we celebrate today, Pope St. Fabian, St. Sebastian, and Blessed Cyprian Michael Iwene Tansi, among many others, we gained greater insight, inspirations and good examples on how we all should be living our lives faithfully as Christians. All of us should always do whatever we can so that by our commitment and contributions, in whatever we say and do, we will always be great source of inspiration and faith for our fellow brothers and sisters, and that we may proclaim the Lord’s truth to more and more people all throughout the world. Reflecting on the Sacred Scriptures and the lives of those Saints whose memory we commemorate, we must appreciate the great love, compassion and kindness which God has given to us so generously through His Son, and therefore, just as He has suffered in doing so, being rejected by the world and all those who dwelled and remained in sin, and how Pope St. Fabian, St. Sebastian, Blessed Cypria Tansi, and many other Saints and holy men and women of God had done, let us all realise the challenges, difficulties and sufferings that we may face amidst our lives as Christians in this world today. Let us also be ready to live lives that are truly worthy of God at all times so that we may be good role models and inspirations ourselves to one another. May God in His infinite grace and mercy, grant us His grace and be with us always, and may He bless us all in our every good efforts, works and endeavours, all for His greater glory, and also for the salvation of many more souls. 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:
Lord, I open my heart to the new wine of grace that You wish to pour forth upon me. Help me to be properly disposed to this grace and to use every means necessary to become more open to You. Help me, especially, to commit to the wonderful spiritual practice of fasting. May this act of mortification in my life bear abundant fruit for Your Kingdom. Jesus, I trust in You ~ Amen 🙏
Save Us, Savior of the World. Our Mother Mary, Saints Fabian, Sebastian and Blessed Cyprian Michael Iwene Tansi ~ 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. Journey mercies for all those traveling during this Christmas season and new year. Wishing all of us a most blessed, safe, healthy, prosperous and grace-filled New Year and week! 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:
Greetings and blessings, beloved family. Happy Sunday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time!
Today, we celebrate Peace Sunday, which is celebrated on the second Sunday in Ordinary Time. We continue to pray for peace all around the world, particularly in the Middle East, Ukraine-Russia, Africa and other parts of the world. May the good Lord help us to be instruments of peace and reconciliation in our families and our divided and conflicted World. Amen 🙏🏽
Today is day two 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🙏
Theme for 2025 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity: “Do you believe this?” (John 11:26)
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 🙏🏽
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🙏
SAINT(S ) OF THE DAY: FEAST DAY ~ JANUARY 19, 2025
MEMORIAL OF SAINT CANUTE IV OF DENMARK, KING AND MARTYR; SAINT HENRY OF UPPSALA, BISHOP AND MARTYR AND SAINTS MARIUS, MARTHA, AUDIFAX AND ABACHUM, MARTYRS
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: 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 19, 2025” |
Watch “Holy Mass from the National Shrine of the Divine Mercy” | January 19, 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 19, 2025 |
Pray “The Chaplet of Divine Mercy in song”| January 19, 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: Second Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C | January 19, 2025 Reading 1, Isaiah 62:1-5 Responsorial Psalm, Psalms 96:1-2, 2-3, 7-8, 9-10 Reading 2, First Corinthians 12:4-11 Gospel, John 2:1-12
Peace Sunday is celebrated on the second Sunday in Ordinary Time. In 2025, Peace Sunday falls on Sunday 19th January. Since its establishment in 1967 by Pope St Paul VI, the Popes have taken the World Day of Peace on the 1st January as an opportunity to offer a message on peace related topics. Every year, with the support of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference, England and Wales, Peace Sunday is promoted on the second Sunday in Ordinary Time as a way of observing the World Day of Peace and promoting the Pope’s message for that year. The theme this year is ‘Forgive us our trespasses: Grant us your peace’. The message speaks of how we must listen to the ‘pleas of an endangered humanity’, how the year of Jubilee inspires us to seek the liberating justice of God in our world and how by ‘opening our hearts to our brothers and sisters, we will restore God’s justice on earth’ and ‘move forward to achieve the goal of peace’. May the Lord help us to be instruments of peace and reconciliation in our families and our divided and conflicted World. Amen 🙏🏽
God of mercy and compassion, where I have not loved my neighbour as I love myself,or done to others what I would have them do to me, held grudges, or tried to get even after I have been hurt: Father forgive.
Grant us your peace, that I might know peace within myself, seek to be a peacemaker in my daily life, grow in my conviction that we are all made in your image, love those I find it hard to love, forgive injuries and refuse to retaliate, and follow in the footsteps of the nonviolent Jesus. 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. Praying for the safety and well-being of the unborn and all children 🙏🏽
“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)
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:
Reflections and Prayers for the Eight Days: A Journey through the Nicene Creed | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/01/18/2025-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” 🙏🏽
“Jesus did this as the beginning of his signs at Cana in Galilee”
“There was a wedding at Cana in Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Jesus and his disciples were also invited to the wedding. When the wine ran short, the mother of Jesus said to him, “They have no wine.” And Jesus said to her, “Woman, how does your concern affect me? My hour has not yet come.” His mother said to the servers, “Do whatever he tells you.” Now there were six stone water jars there for Jewish ceremonial washings, each holding twenty to thirty gallons. Jesus told them, “Fill the jars with water.” So they filled them to the brim. Then he told them, “Draw some out now and take it to the headwaiter.” So they took it. And when the headwaiter tasted the water that had become wine, without knowing where it came from —although the servers who had drawn the water knew—, the headwaiter called the bridegroom and said to him, “Everyone serves good wine first, and then when people have drunk freely, an inferior one; but you have kept the good wine until now.” Jesus did this as the beginning of his signs at Cana in Galilee and so revealed his glory, and his disciples began to believe in him.”
Today’s Gospel reading shows how Jesus worked to bring fullness or abundance out of a situation of loss in a domestic setting. In the Gospel reading, there was a young couple in Cana of Galilee who regarded Jesus and His mother and some of His disciples highly enough to invite them to their wedding, to share in their love and joy. This scene is the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry in the Gospel of John. The young married couple ran out of wine on their wedding day. The loss of wine is an embarrassment to them; it would have entailed a loss of face. It was in that context of domestic loss that Jesus worked His first miracle, according to John the evangelist. Prompted by His mother, He worked powerfully in that situation of loss, transforming the embarrassing loss into an extraordinary abundance. Out of the loss came an abundance of better quality wine. As the steward went on to say to the bridegroom, ‘You have kept the best wine till now’. In placing this story at the beginning of His account of the public ministry of Jesus, the fourth evangelist was saying something important about who Jesus is and what Jesus can do. He is declaring that Jesus, the Lord, can transform our various experiences of loss into moments of extraordinary and surprising abundance. This evangelist has a strong conviction that there is a fullness within Jesus, the risen Lord, from which we can draw abundantly in those painful experiences of emptiness and loss. It is this conviction which led the evangelist in the Prologue of his gospel to speak of Jesus as full of grace and truth, and to declare that from His fullness we have, all of us, received. The Lord who worked powerfully in that situation of loss at Cana continues to work powerfully in our many situations of loss today. At Cana, however, He didn’t work alone; He needed others to work through for His transforming work to come to pass. There was His mother who brought the need to His attention; there were the servants who did what Jesus asked them to do. The Lord continues to need all of us if He is to work in transforming ways in our many situations of loss today. In the words of Saint Paul in today’s second reading, the Lord is ‘working in all sorts of different ways in different people’. The Lord is always seeking to work in all sorts of different ways in and through all of our lives. He is at work in and through all those who are desperately trying to bring some relief to people in desperate need. Saint Paul says in one of his letters that he once heard the Lord say to him, ‘my power is made perfect in weakness’. It is very often when we are at our weakest, when we experience the greatest sense of loss, that the Lord can work most powerfully in our lives, because it is at such times that we can be most open to the Lord’s transforming presence, especially as it comes to us in and through the active concern of others. Our own experiences of brokenness, loss and emptiness can turn out to be surprising moments of grace. We too can discover with Saint Paul that it is when we are weak that we are strong, because it is in moments of weakness that the Lord can often work most powerfully, especially through the generosity of others.
Today’s Gospel reading is a reminder for us that we have to obey God’s words and His will, and like Christ Himself, Who has made Himself a Man for our salvation, He showed what it means by true and perfect obedience, obeying the will of His heavenly Father to show His love to all of us. And Mary, the Mother of God is there by our side, helping and guiding us all to her Son, providing us with the sure path towards Him and His salvation so that none of us may be lost to Him. Each and every one of us are reminded today therefore of God’s ever enduring love for each one of us, and how fortunate all of us are for having so beloved and blessed by Him. All of us should not take for granted what the Lord has given to us, and we should make sure that in everything that we do from now on, we should make good use of them for the good and benefit of everyone around us, as we have all been entrusted to do by God. Let us all discern carefully our path in life and pray so that the Lord may show us how we can better use these gifts and blessings that He has given to us all.
In our first reading this Sunday from the Book of the prophet Isaiah, the Lord spoke of the salvation and the joy which He would bring to His people, the Israelites, freeing them from their sufferings, humiliations and exile, bringing them once again into their homeland, granting them His blessings and wonders, giving them all His strength and grace, empowering each and every one of them with the light of His salvation. He would indeed fulfil everything that He has promised through the sending of His Saviour, the One that the prophet Isaiah had made a lot of prophecies and predictions about, revealing to us all what He has planned for us and what He desires to do with us, through the Saviour that He would send into our midst, in Jesus Christ, His only-begotten Son. During the time of the work and ministry of the prophet Isaiah, the people of Israel had been separated and divided into smaller groups, and many of their separated brethren had been defeated and conquered by the Assyrians who had destroyed the cities of the northern kingdom of Israel, conquered Samaria and destroyed the kingdom of Israel, bringing many of its people, a large proportion of the Israelites to exile in distant lands while bringing foreigners to dwell in their lands. And the people of Judah in the south did not escape harm either, as they were also almost defeated and conquered by the Assyrians if not for God’s providence and protection at the last moments. All of these showed the bleak and sad state of the Israelites during the time when Isaiah carried out his ministry among them. All of that had happened because the disobedience and sins which the people of God had committed against Him, in their refusal to obey His words and commandments, and that had led them to the consequences of having to endure the difficulties, challenges and obstacles brought about by their own refusal to obey the Lord. Nonetheless, God proved that His love for each and every one of us is truly so great that not even all those obstacles, challenges and trials can truly separate us all from His love and grace, and from the salvation that He has promised to each one of us. But He also gave us the freedom and the free will to choose whether we want to accept and embrace this salvation or not. Many of our predecessors have unfortunately chosen to continue disobeying the Lord and reject His generous offer of mercy and kindness.
In our second reading today from the Epistle of St. Paul to the Church and the faithful people of God in the city and region of Corinth in Greece, we heard the Apostle reminding the faithful of the various gifts that God has given to each and every one of them through the Holy Spirit that He has given and imparted to them through the Church. St. Paul told them this so that they all first might realise the love and generosity that they all have received from the Lord, much as the prophet Isaiah had reassured the people of Israel, and then also the Apostle reminded all of the faithful, including us all listening to this message now on how blessed we all are to have experienced the revelation of God’s love through His Son, the fulfilment of His many promises through Christ. And we are all reminded of the many gifts which we have received from the Lord through the Holy Spirit, the various unique gifts presented to us so that we may make good use of them in our daily lives, and not be ignorant of what we are all able to do as Christians in living our lives to the best of our abilities and in doing God’s will. Many of us are either ignorant of this calling and mission which God has entrusted to us, or we are easily jealous and envious over what others have received, and which we also desire to have as well for ourselves. This is where we are reminded that God has given us all unique gifts and means suitable to our own situation and the opportunities which we have been provided, and we should not envy others for our own respective gifts. In fact, the greater is the blessings God had provided us, the greater is the responsibility for us to make good use of them.
As we reflect on the words of the Sacred Scriptures today, we are reminded of God’s calling for us to follow Him and His path, to do what is good and righteous, and in accordance with His Law and commandments. Each and every one of us as Christians should do what the Lord has shown and taught us, and also the examples set by His holy men and women, our holy predecessors, the Saints and martyrs throughout time and history, particularly the Saints we celebrate today, Saint Canute IV, King of Denmark, Martyr; Saint Henry of Uppsala, Bishop and Martyr and Saints Marius, Martha, Audifax, and Abachum, Martyrs. We must be strengthened and inspired by following the good examples of the Lord’s servants, His Saints, including those whom we celebrate today. May the Lord continue to bless us and guide us in our journey of faith so that we may continue to do our best in living our lives to the best of our abilities. May He empower each and every one of us, so that by our every actions, words and deeds, we will always be ever faithful and committed to the Lord, and our faith may truly be shown to all, and that through us and our works and efforts, more and more people may come to believe in God as well, like the many Holy Saints of God had inspired us all. May the Lord be with us always and may He empower us with His blessings and grace, so that in everything we do, we will always strive to do our best for the greater glory of His Name, and to touch the lives of others, of everyone around us with the generous love and kindness that God Himself has always shown us. May Mary, the Mother of God continue to help and intercede for each and every one of us, her beloved children, that we may find our way to her Son and the eternal life and salvation in Him. May God in His infinite grace and mercy, grant us His grace and may He guide us and give us the courage and strength to persevere through the many challenges and trials that we may have to face in our journey as Christians, in each and every moments. Amen🙏
SAINTS OF THE DAY: MEMORIAL OF SAINT CANUTE IV OF DENMARK, KING AND MARTYR; SAINT HENRY OF UPPSALA, BISHOP AND MARTYR AND SAINTS MARIUS, MARTHA, AUDIFAX AND ABACHUM, MARTYRS – FEASTDAY ~ JANUARY 19TH: Today, we celebrate the Memorial of Saint Canute IV, King of Denmark, Martyr; Saint Henry of Uppsala, Bishop and Martyr and Saints Marius, Martha, Audifax, and Abachum, Martyrs.
SAINT CANUTE IV OF DENMARK, KING AND MARTYR: St. Canute (1042 – 1086 A.D.), also known as Canutus or Canute the Holy, was one of thirteen sons born to the king of Denmark. St. Canute later succeeded his brother to the throne and reigned as king from 1080 to 1086. Saint Canute, King of Denmark, was endowed with excellent qualities of both mind and body. He was a devout Catholic, a zealous propagator of the faith, and a brave warrior, in addition to being a man of prayer, penance, austerity, and charity towards the poor and weak among his people. The happiness of his people and the interests of the Church were his motivation, often putting him in opposition to the aristocracy. He fought against the barbarian nations and worked to strengthen the power of the monarchy, but some of his laws were unpopular and caused unrest among the people. Canute sought to expand Denmak’s territory and believed he had a claim to the English throne. After having provided for the peace and safety of his country, he married Eltha, daughter of Robert, Earl of Flanders, who proved herself a spouse worthy of him. They are the parents of Blessed Charles, Count of Amiens and Flanders, a martyr for his faith, brutally slain like his father, while in prayer.
In 1085 he gathered his fleet and planned an invasion of England to overthrow William the Conquerer, a plan which was never realized. Instead, a revolt broke out against St. Canute, causing him to take refuge inside St. Alban’s Priory in Odense, a monastery which he had founded. Perceiving his danger, he confessed his sins at the foot of the altar and received Holy Communion. Stretching out his arms before the altar, the Saint fervently recommended his soul to his Creator; in this posture he was struck down on his knees by the enemies of his Christian reign. St. Canute, his brother, Prince Olaf, and seventeen of his men – the entire royal party were assassinated by rebels in front of the altar. St. Canute was buried in St. Alban’s, renamed c. 1300 St. Canute’s Cathedral. He was named a martyr for the faith and miracles were recorded at his tomb, and, at the request (1099) of King Erik III Evergood of Denmark, he was canonized in the year 1101 by Pope Paschal II, the first Danish saint. St. Canute is the Patron Saint of Zeeland, Denmark.
Saint Canute IV of Denmark, King and Martyr ~ Pray for us 🙏
SAINTS MARIUS; MARTHA; AUDIFAX AND ABACHUM, MARTYRS: Saints Marius, Martha, Audifax, and Abachum (died 270) were, according to their largely legendary passio of the 6th century, four saints of the same family (a married couple and their two sons). They came from Persia to Rome, and were martyred in 270 for sympathizing with Christian martyrs and burying their bodies. Marius, a Persian nobleman, his wife Martha, and his sons Audifax and Abachum came to believe in Christ and became Christians. In imitation of the early Christians of Jerusalem, they gladly gave away their fortune to the poor. Then the family traveled to Rome during the reign of Emperor Claudius II (268-270) to venerate the tombs of the Apostles and lend their aid to the persecuted Christians. They visited the Christians in prison, encouraged them by word and deed, and shared with them their goods. And like Tobias of old, they buried the bodies of the saints and among other things, they gathered the ashes of the Martyrs and buried them with respect.
It was not long before they themselves were arrested; and when neither threats nor allurements could make them offer sacrifice to the idols, they were savagely flogged. Martha was the first to die, but not before she had fervently exhorted her husband and sons to endure steadfastly whatever tortures might be inflicted for the faith. Martha was drowned thirteen miles from Rome in a place known as Santa Ninfa. Marius and his sons were beheaded in the same place and their bodies thrown into the fire. Felicitas, a saintly Roman woman, succeeded in recovering the half-burnt bodies and buried them on her estate. The Roman Martyrology says this happened about the 4th century. These Saints are mentioned in all the western martyrologies.
PRAYER: Lord, we devoutly recall the sufferings of Sts. Marius, Martha, Audifax, and Abachum. Give success to our joyful prayers and grant us also constancy in our Faith. Amen🙏
SAINT HENRY OF UPPSALA, BISHOP AND MARTYR: St. Henry also known as Henrik was born in 1100 in the Kingdom of England. St. Henry was an Englishman living in Rome. He accompanied the papal legate and fellow Englishman Nicholas Cardinal Breakspear (later Pope Adrian IV) to Scandinavia in 1151 and was consecrated bishop of Uppsala, Sweden, the next year by the cardinal. St. Henry accompanied King Eric of Sweden on his crusade to Finland, where he converted many pagans. However, remaining behind after the king had returned home to Sweden. St. Henry was murdered on January 20, 1156 by a Finnish convert named Lalli, on whom he had imposed a penance for a murder he had committed. Reputedly, the murderer put on the bishop’s birretum, but when he tried to take it off his flesh adhered to it. This is noted as one of the saint’s outstanding miracles. The saint’s cult spread rapidly in Sweden and Finland, and with the growth of the bridgettine convents it was carried to the European continent. One historia rhythmica, Gaude cetus fidelium, and one Sequence, Cetus noster, are known. His epitaph may be found in Nousis, Finland, where his relics were kept, until they were translated in 1300 to the cathedral in Abo (Tartu). He was canonized in 1158. He is the national Patron Saint of Finland and one of the most popular saints of the Middle Ages, and of today.
St. Henry of Uppsala, Bishop and Martyr ~ Pray for us 🙏
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.
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 🙏
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 glorious Lord, Your entire earthly life was a preparation for the hour in which You gave Your life as a sacrifice on the Cross for the remission of sins. Please continuously prepare me to receive You more fully and to open my heart to You and all that You have bestowed upon me through Your perfect sacrifice of love. Jesus, I trust in You ~ Amen 🙏
Save Us, Savior of the World. Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Canute, King of Denmark, Saint Henry of Uppsala and Saints Marius, Martha, Audifax, and Abachum, Martyrs ~ 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. Journey mercies for all those traveling during this Christmas season and new year. Wishing all of us a most blessed, safe, healthy, prosperous and grace-filled New Year and Sunday! Amen🙏
Greetings and blessings, beloved family and friends.
Happy Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) Day (USA)!
Today, as we celebrate and honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., we humbly pray for peace, love, justice, and unity in our families, our marriages, and the world. We pray for an end to violence, injustice, racism, war, and religious and political unrest in our world today as we face these incredibly challenging times.
On this day, we pray for world leaders, past, current, and future leaders of nations, especially those elected to serve in public service at all levels. We pray that world leaders would seek after peace, justice, mercy, truth, and freedom for all people and serve with wisdom, compassion, and integrity to see beyond differences and to work together peacefully. May the good Lord use our world leaders to bring about positive change in the world and that they would be a source of hope and encouragement to those around them. We trust in the Lord’s goodness and faithfulness, as we pray for the safety and well-being of all world leaders and particularly pray for the outgoing president of the United States, Joe Biden and for the incoming president elect of the United States, Donald Trump, particularly pray for the president elect of the United States, we pray for a safe and successful presidential inauguration and leadership. Amen🙏🏽
Reflecting on the message of Pope Francis for World Peace Day this year with the theme, ‘Forgive us our trespasses: Grant us your peace’. The message speaks of how we must listen to the ‘pleas of an endangered humanity’, how the year of Jubilee inspires us to seek the liberating justice of God in our world and how by ‘opening our hearts to our brothers and sisters, we will restore God’s justice on earth’ and ‘move forward to achieve the goal of peace’.
This Year of Hope, or Jubilee Year of Hope, is a time of spiritual renewal, reconciliation, and pilgrimage. It is a time for us to deepen our faith with hopeful anticipation and renew our relationship with Christ, and live our lives with hope, faith, and love. We are all made in the image and likeness of God (Genesis 1:26). May God keep us all united in peace, love, and faith, and may the good Lord help us to be instruments of peace and reconciliation in our families and our divided and conflicted world. Amen 🙏🏽
“It really boils down to this: that all life is interrelated. We are all caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied into a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one destiny, affects all indirectly.” ~ Martin Luther King Jr.
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 🙏
Jeremiah 33:14-16 Psalm 72:7, 12, 16-17 John 1:1-14
From the Latin tradition
For all things were made out of nothing, and their being would again sink into nothing, if the Author of all things did not hold it by the hand of governance.
Gregory the Great [c. 540-604], Moralia in Job, XVI:37, 45
Patristic Reading
From the Armenian tradition
He took upon himself all human passions, excluding sin. That is: he hungered who gives food to all the living. He thirsted who gives the water of life to his believers. He felt weariness who is the rest of the weary. He slept who always kept Israel vigilant. He wept who wiped away every tear from all eyes … He took on our passible body, so that he who is impassible might suffer with the passible body and he who is immortal might die with the mortal body, to free us who are guilty.
–Gregory of Skevra [12th/13th centuries], On True Faith and Pure Conduct in the Virtues, 15-17
For reflection:
How does faith in Jesus, the incarnate Son of God, inspire and shape our lives?
How have you experienced Christ’s consoling presence in your life?
Wherever we see someone who is thirsty, hungry, weeping or suffering, Christ is present.
How is Christ incarnate in the work of the churches of Canada in 2025?
Prayer
R: Glory to you, O Christ. Glory to you!
Word of God, you became flesh, and came to dwell among us. You have shared our life in all things; you died as we all die. R/
Son of David, desired by the righteous and the prophets, you have proclaimed the good news to the poor; you have proclaimed the Lord’s time of favour. R/
You came to break the chains of bondage; you went about doing good;
you have opened the way to the presence of God for all. R/
You came into the world in weakness and poverty; you
have confounded the proud with your humility; you have drawn the weary and overburdened to you. R/
You are the Lamb of God and our Shepherd, the Servant of God and our Lord:
you were made sin for us, our Redeemer. R/
Let us pray:
Lord God, our Father draw our eyes to you
so that together we may walk
from darkness to the light of your face, revealed to us in Jesus, your Son and our brother, who lives with you and the Holy Spirit now and for ever and ever. AMEN.
Alternative Patristic Readings
From the Syriac tradition
Now that the highest and lowest creatures have become one, there is no longer high and low. God has even appeared on earth and our [human] nature has ascended to heaven. When God came down to us, the earth became heaven, and when the Son of our kind was raised up, heaven became earth. Then heaven and earth became one.
–Abdisho bar Bahriz [9th century], Commentary on the Celebrations of the Church, p. 58
From the Greek tradition
This is the grace of the Lord, and these are the Lord’s means of restoration for the sons of men. For he suffered to prepare freedom from suffering for those who suffer in him. He descended, so that he might raise us up. He experienced being conceived, so that we would love who is not generated. He went down to corruption, so that corruption might put on immortality. He became weak for us, so that we might rise with power. He descended to death, so that he might bestow on us immortality and give life to the dead. Finally, he became human, so that we who die as human beings might live again, and death should no more reign over us. –Athanasius of Alexandria [c. 295-373], Festal Letters, 10:8, 19
Peace Sunday is celebrated on the second Sunday in Ordinary Time. In 2025, Peace Sunday falls on Sunday, 19th January. Since its establishment in 1967 by Pope St Paul VI, the Popes have taken the World Day of Peace on the 1st January as an opportunity to offer a message on peace related topics. Every year, with the support of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference, England and Wales, Peace Sunday is promoted on the second Sunday in Ordinary Time as a way of observing the World Day of Peace and promoting the Pope’s message for that year. The theme this year is ‘Forgive us our trespasses: Grant us your peace’. The message speaks of how we must listen to the ‘pleas of an endangered humanity’, how the year of Jubilee inspires us to seek the liberating justice of God in our world and how by ‘opening our hearts to our brothers and sisters, we will restore God’s justice on earth’ and ‘move forward to achieve the goal of peace’. May the Lord help us to be instruments of peace and reconciliation in our families and our divided and conflicted World🙏🏽
God of mercy and compassion, where I have not loved my neighbour as I love myself,or done to others what I would have them do to me, held grudges, or tried to get even after I have been hurt: Father forgive.
Grant us your peace, that I might know peace within myself, seek to be a peacemaker in my daily life, grow in my conviction that we are all made in your image, love those I find it hard to love, forgive injuries and refuse to retaliate, and follow in the footsteps of the nonviolent Jesus. Amen 🙏🏽
Greetings and blessings, beloved family. Happy Saturday of the First Week in Ordinary Time!
Today marks the beginning of the week of prayer for Christian Unity, which is celebrated around the world from January 18th – 25th. As we begin 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🙏
Theme for 2025 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity: “Do you believe this?” (John 11:26)
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 🙏🏽
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🙏
SAINT(S ) OF THE DAY: FEAST DAY ~ JANUARY 18, 2025
WEEK OF PRAYER FOR CHRISTIAN UNITY 2025: Beginning today, Saturday, January 18, 2024 and ends Saturday, January 25, 2025 [Reflections and Prayer links below]
9 DAYS FOR 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 18, 2025” |
Watch “Holy Mass from the National Shrine of the Divine Mercy” | January 18, 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 18, 2025 |
Pray “The Chaplet of Divine Mercy in song”| January 18, 2025 |
Pray “Holy Rosary ALL 20 Mysteries VIRTUAL🌹JOYFUL🌹LUMINOUS🌹SORROWFUL🌹GLORIOUS” oùn YouTube |
Memorare Chaplet | Prayer in Difficult Times (Powerful Prayer) |
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. Praying for the safety and well-being of the unborn and all children 🙏🏽
“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)
The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity is an ecumenical Christian observance in the Christian calendar that is celebrated internationally. The purpose of this prayer gathering annually is to fulfill the prayer of Jesus, “that they may be one” (John 17:21).
Traditionally, the week of prayer is celebrated between 18-25 January, annually. For the year 2025, the theme is “Do you believe this?” This theme was inspired by Jesus’s dialogue with Martha in the Gospel of John (John 11:26). The entire passage chosen for reflection is John 11:17-27, where Jesus arrives in Bethany and raises Lazarus from the dead. An encounter between Jesus and Martha, at the end of which Martha confesses faith in Jesus as the Messiah and Son of God.
The theme for 2025 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity was proposed by the ecumenical monastic community of Bose in Italy, in cooperation with the international team appointed by the Catholic Church’s Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity and the Faith and Order Commission of the World Council of Churches, at meetings in Bose, Italy in late September 2023.
The year 2025 marks the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, the first Ecumenical Council of Christian churches, called by Emperor Constantine I. The Council took place in Nicaea, a place just outside Constantinople (now Istanbul), from May to July of 325. This was just 12 years after a meeting between the co-emperors Constantine and Licinius in February 313 in Milan, at which they agreed to grant legal status to Christianity. The so-called “Edict of Milan,” actually a letter from Licinius to governors of provinces in the Eastern Empire, granted Christians and all persons within the empire freedom from religious persecution. Having then just emerged from a type of “underground” status of nearly 300 years, the diversity of language, culture and hierarchical organization created situations of theological divisions within the Church. There was an urgent need for one unified voice for the sake of orthodox doctrine, especially about the nature of Jesus’s relationship to the Father within the being of the Triune God. There was also a need to establish a common date for Easter and a way to reconcile Christians who had lapsed under the period of persecution. A major result of the Council was the creation of the first Nicene Creed. Tradition has it that there were 318 bishops present, mostly from Eastern churches, and that all but two signed the Creed.
Considering divergences of interpretation on the “settled” date of Easter agreed at the Council, followed by separate dates again for centuries, it is of special significance that in 2025, all Christians have the same date for Easter: April 20. As the whole Church of today considers the commemoration of a gathering that signified a belief in “one, holy, catholic and apostolic church,” may we all be more and more drawn into the mystery of unity. May we confess our resistance to that unity, embrace our diversity and remember exactly what we believe together and share with the world: that Jesus is the Christ and the Son of God, who raises all with him to eternal life in a kingdom that will never end. The observance of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity is a powerful spiritual start to 2025 and everything that will be celebrated by Christians during this year.
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:
Reflections and Prayers for the Eight Days: A Journey through the Nicene Creed | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/01/18/2025-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 PRISCA, VIRGIN AND MARTYR; SAINTS VOLUSIAN, BISHOP AND DEICOLUS, ABBOT AND SAINT MARGARET OF HUNGARY, RELIGIOUS – FEAST DAY ~ JANUARY 18TH: Today, we celebrate the Memorial of Saint Prisca, Virgin and Martyr; Saints Volusian, Bishop and Deicolus, Abbot and Saint Margaret of Hungary, Religious.
SAINT PRISCA, VIRGIN, AND MARTYR: St. Prisca, who is also known as Priscilla, was a child martyr of the early Roman Church. The Roman Martyrology reads: “In the City of Rome, the holy Virgin and Martyr Prisca; after many tortures, she gained the Crown of Martyrdom under Emperor Claudius II (about 270).”
Born to Imperial Roman Christian parents of a noble family, Prisca was raised during the reign of the Roman emperor Claudius. While Claudius did not persecute Christians with the same fervor as other Roman emperors, Christians still did not practice their faith openly. In fact, Prisca’s parents went to great lengths to conceal their faith, and thus, they were not suspected of being Christians. Prisca, however, did not feel the need to take precautions. The young girl openly professed her dedication to Christ, and eventually, she was reported to the emperor. Claudius had her arrested and commanded her to make a sacrifice to Apollo, the pagan god of the sun. According to the legend, Prisca refused and was tortured for disobeying. Then, suddenly, a bright, yellow light shone about her, and she appeared to be a little star. Claudius ordered that Prisca be taken away to prison in the hopes that she would abandon Christ. When all efforts to change her mind were unsuccessful, she was taken to an amphitheatre and thrown in with a lion. As the crowd watched, Prisca stood fearless. According to legend, the lion walked toward the barefoot girl and then gently licked her feet. Disgusted by his thwarted efforts to dissuade Prisca, Claudius had her beheaded. Seventh-century accounts of the grave sites of Roman martyrs refer to the discovery of an epitaph of a Roman Christian named Priscilla in a large catacomb and identifies her place of interment on the Via Salaria as the Catacomb of Priscilla.
PRAYER: Let us pray for the single-hearted devotion and courage of Saint Prisca towards our faith that we too may live and die for Christ and share her crown of glory… Amen🙏
SAINTS VOLUSIAN, BISHOP, AND DEICOLUS, ABBOT: According to tradition, SAINT VOLUSIAN was of senatorial rank He served as Bishop of Tours from 488 to 496. What little information exists about concerns the last years of his life. As a result of his rank, he was continually involved with the politics of his day and finally he was driven from episcopate by the Goths who believed that Bishop was planning to form an alliance with the Franks against them. St. Volusian made good his escape from Tours and traveled to Spain where he went into exile. He died about the year 498. According to some historians, St. Volusian was fallowed into Spain by the Goths, who captured him and cut off his head. This possible martyrdom was probably the basis for his canonization as a Saint.
SAINT DEICOLUS, also known as St. Desle, left his native land of Ireland in the company of St. Columban, and both men settled at Luxeuil. He established the Abbey of Lure, where he remained for the rest of his life as a hermit. Despite his hardships, his contentment was always evident. When St. Columban once asked him, “Deicolus, why are you always smiling?” this saintly soul simply replied: “Because no one can take God from me.” He died about 625.
PRAYER: Lord, may the intercession of Sts. Volusian and Deicolus comment us to You, so that by their patronage we may obtain what we do not deserve by any merits of ours. Amen🙏
SAINT MARGARET OF HUNGARY, RELIGIOUS: St. Margaret of Hungary (1242–1271) was the daughter of King Bela IV of Hungary, a granddaughter of the Byzantine emperor and niece of the famed St. Elizabeth of Hungary. She was the eighth daughter of ten children to the Ruler of Croatia. Her royal parents made a vow to God that if Hungary was saved from the Mongol invasion they would dedicate Margaret to religion. God heard their prayer and the country was saved. The king and queen then entrusted four-year-old Margaret to be raised and educated in a Dominican convent. At the age of ten Margaret was transferred to the Convent of the Blessed Virgin founded by her parents, built on an island her parents named after her. She spent the rest of her life there, dedicating herself to prayer and severe penances. She opposed her father’s attempts to arrange her political marriage with the King of Bohemia, even though her suitor obtained a dispensation from the pope to release her from her religious vows so that she could enter into matrimony. Margaret made her solemn vows as a Dominican nun at the age of eighteen. Although a beautiful princess, she took the most menial tasks in the convent and dedicated her life to serving the poor and sick. She was considered a saint during her life and after her death. Many miracles, especially the curing of illnesses, were attributed to her intercession. St. Margaret died at the age of 28 on January 18, 1271. Honored as a powerful intercessor and miracle worker, she was Beatified on July 28, 1789 by Pope Pius VI and Canonized on November 19, 1943 by Pope Pius XII.
PRAYER: God, who called your handmaid blessed Margaret of Hungary to seek you before all else, grant that, serving you, through her example and intercession, with a pure and humble heart, we may come at last to your eternal glory. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen🙏
“I did not come to call the righteous but sinners”
“Jesus went out along the sea. All the crowd came to him and he taught them. As he passed by, he saw Levi, son of Alphaeus, sitting at the customs post. Jesus said to him, “Follow me.” And he got up and followed Jesus. While he was at table in his house, many tax collectors and sinners sat with Jesus and his disciples; for there were many who followed him. Some scribes who were Pharisees saw that Jesus was eating with sinners and tax collectors and said to his disciples, “Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?” Jesus heard this and said to them, “Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do. I did not come to call the righteous but sinners.”
Today’s Gospel reading according to Mark gives an account of the call of Levi, the tax collector. In Matthew’s Gospel, he is given the name Matthew not Levi. Levi or Matthew would have seemed an unlikely enough candidate to be a disciple of Jesus. Tax collectors or toll collectors were considered to be very mercenary, with good reasons. In the Gospel reading, the religious experts, the scribes and the Pharisees ask the question, ‘Why does Jesus eat with tax collectors and sinners?’ As far as they were concerned, to eat with tax collectors and sinners was to risk being contaminated by them. They would have argued that it was better to keep yourself separate from such people in order to preserve your moral health. However, Jesus did not share this concern. Rather than the sin of others infecting Him, He knew that His goodness, God’s goodness in Him, would transform them. In the Gospels, Jesus speaks of Himself in a variety of images, in today’s Gospel reading, He speaks of Himself as a doctor whose primary interest is the sick, rather than the healthy. He spoke of Himself in this way in response to the criticism of the religious experts of His day who took a dim view of Jesus frequenting the company of those who did not live according to God’s Law, such as tax collectors. They were scandalized by His custom of sharing table with such people, entering into communion with ‘sinners’. The Gospel reading says that there were many tax collectors and sinners among Jesus’ followers. The more religious people of Jesus’ day avoided those they regarded as sinners, for fear they would be contaminated by people they considered to be outside God’s favour. Jesus revealed a different side to God. He revealed God as wanting to enter into communion with us, regardless of how others see us or, even, how we see ourselves. Jesus did not wait for people to be virtuous to befriend them. The Lord does not turn away from us because we are not all we could be. He keeps entering into communion with us, in all our weakness, frailty, sinfulness, so that he can empower us to live more fully as God’s sons and daughters. Like the doctor who deals with the sick to make them better, the Lord keeps dealing with us to help us to become more fully the person God desires us to be. That is why, in the words of today’s first reading, we can be ‘confident in approaching the throne of grace’, knowing that ‘we shall have mercy from Him and find grace when we are in need of help’. The Gospel reading reminds us that the Lord is happy to be in our company, even when we have fallen short of what some people expect of us, even when we are far from being all that God is calling us to be. Our failings and weaknesses do not drive the Lord away or drag Him down, rather His presence to us in our failings and weaknesses lifts us up. We always come before the Lord in our brokenness and He never drives us away. His table is always set for us and there is always a place for us there, regardless of where we are at in life. The Lord is never diminished by our failings; rather, we are always ennobled by His holiness. That is why the Lord does not separate Himself from us, even when we might be tempted to separate ourselves from Him, because of what we have done or failed to do. The Lord is always ready to sit with us, to share table with us, to enter into communion with us, in order that in our weakness we might draw from His strength and in our many failings we might draw from His goodness and love.
Our first reading today is the continuation of the Epistle to the Hebrews, the author of this Epistle spoke about the power of the Word of God which had been made flesh, incarnate in our midst, and Whose power has penetrated through our every beings, our bodies, hearts and minds, revealing unto us the truth about the Lord, His love and great desire to save us all from certain destruction and eternal damnation. He has given is all this way of salvation through His Son, the Incarnate Word of God, in the person of Jesus Christ, Who has become one like us, assuming our human nature and existence, and yet without the taint and corruption of sin. By that, as mentioned by the author of the Epistle, He has become our one True and Eternal High Priest, offering on our behalf the sacrifice worthy of redeeming us from our sins. This is what we are constantly being reminded of, the love of God that has been manifested in His Son, and this Son, our High Priest has willingly embraced our human existence, having gone through all the temptations, challenges and difficulties, all the trials that He had to face throughout His life, ministry, and ultimately His Passion and death on the Cross. He did not hesitate to go through all of these ultimately because of His ever enduring and present love for each one of us. He has obeyed so perfectly that by His total obedience and love for His heavenly Father, He, as the New Man, might become for all of us the perfect role model and inspiration to follow, in becoming the perfect Man, the perfect Lamb to be offered for us, and the perfect High Priest to offer this generous and most selfless offering for the sake of our redemption. Essentially, through Christ, we have received the assurance of forgiveness from our sins and the path to eternal life and true happiness with Him, because He is truly God Himself in the raiment of our human nature, and by His power and the grace that He has freely offered us, He has the power to forgive us from our many sins, calling on each and every one of us to come to Him and to embrace His rich forgiveness and grace, reminding us that there is no sinner without a future, as long as we trust in the Lord and believe in His compassion and rich mercy, and cooperate with Him in His desire to reunite us all with Him, leading to us all being freed from the bondage of sin, walking down the path of repentance and turning away from the darkness, walking towards the light and salvation in God.
As we reflect on the words of the Sacred Scriptures today, we are reminded of what it truly means for us to be Christians, in following God and doing God’s will, and we are all reminded that through the great love, kindness and grace that God has given to each one of us, we have received this great promise and assurance of salvation and eternal life, all because of our Lord having come into this world in the Person of His Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour, through Whom God made that Bridge connecting all of us back to Him, renewing and making a new and eternal Covenant with all of us through His perfect and most selfless sacrifice on the Cross. And we should realise just how fortunate all of us are, having received this great love and grace from God. We are called to emulate the Holy men and women and the Saints, particularly the Saints we celebrate today, Saint Prisca, Virgin and Martyr; Saints Volusian, Bishop and Deicolus, Abbot and Saint Margaret of Hungary, Religious. We are called to follow in the ways of the Lord, believing in Him, His words, and His authority and works, anf seek for His grace and mercy, just like those tax collectors, who were supposedly wicked and great sinners, were all flocking to come and seek the Lord, wanting to listen to Him and to atone for their mistakes and faults. And this is what the Lord desires from us, that willingness from each one of us to come and seek Him, His forgiveness and mercy so that we may all receive from Him pardon and healing for all of our sins, and be redeemed and reunited with Him, worthy to enter into the eternal kingdom prepared for all of us. Brothers and sisters in Christ, let us all therefore remind ourselves and one another of God’s great love and mercy, striving to follow the example of Levi and the tax collectors, fully realising that we are all sinners, wicked and unworthy of God’s forgiveness and grace. And yet, the Lord has generously provided us all with the means to come back towards Him and to embrace His love and mercy. Let us all not take this great love, grace and mercy for granted, and commit ourselves henceforth from now on to walk ever more faithfully in God’s Holy Presence, and love Him with ever more dedication, now and always. May God in His infinite grace and mercy, grant us His grace and continue to guide and bless us, and may He bless our every good efforts, works and endeavours, so that through all of them, we may continue to do His will and be ever more committed to this path of righteousness and justice which He has led us through, following the examples that He Himself had set, and those of the Holy Saints and other great men and women, our holy predecessors, all for His greater glory. 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.
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 🙏
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 precious Jesus, fill my heart with charity toward those who need You the most but seem incapable of overcoming the sin in their lives that keep them from You. May my unwavering commitment to them be an act of charity that gives them the hope they need to surrender their life to You. Use me, dear Lord. My life is in Your hands. Jesus, I trust in You ~ Amen 🙏
Save Us, Savior of the World. Our Blessed Mother Mary, Our Lady of Pontmain (Our Lady of Hope) and Saint Anthony of Egypt, Abbot ~ Pray for us🙏
Let us pray:
My dear Lord, thank You for calling us all to follow You without hesitation. Thank You for the joy of being Your disciple. Give me the grace to always know Your will for my life and help me to respond to You with total abandonment and trust. Jesus, I trust in You ~ Amen🙏
Save Us, Savior of the World. Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Prisca, Saints Volusian and Deicolus and Saint Margaret of Hungary ~ Pray for us🙏
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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. Journey mercies for all those traveling during this Christmas season and new year. Wishing all of us a most blessed, safe, healthy, prosperous and grace-filled New Year and relaxing weekend! Amen🙏
For the Love of Creation invites Canadian faith communities and faith-based organizations to come together under a unified banner to mobilize education, reflection, action and advocacy for climate justice.
Scripture Readings
Genesis 1:1-5 Psalm 148:1, 3, 9-14 Romans 8:19-23
Patristic Reading
From the Greek tradition
God cannot be seen by human eyes, but is seen and perceived through his providence and works. Just as one who sees a fully equipped ship entering port assumes that it has a pilot to guide it, so we must perceive that God is the pilot of the entire universe, even though he is not visible to the eyes of the flesh because he is incomprehensible.
–Theophilus of Antioch [2nd century], Ad Autolycus, I:5
Canadian Readings
So much is conspiring to awaken us to a new relationship with earth…a new relationship with each other. May this love lead us to be persistent and practical and offer prophetic hope in our world.[4]
Sister Margo Ritchie, Congregational Leader, Sisters of St. Joseph in Canada
The Creation is our neighbour, just like every human person is our neighbour.[5]
Rev. Susan Johnson, National Bishop, Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada
For reflection:
We believe that God is present in all of creation although his presence is sometimes difficult to perceive.
Creation is a gift of God subjected to suffering, often inflicted by human beings. How can we better recognize our responsibility for its care and preservation?
If possible, spend some time in nature and contemplate how it connects us with the Creator.
Question for the Canadian context: What ‘voices’ are addressing the critical issues around global warming and the many environmental concerns facing us in 2025 and how does the Church partner with these voices?
Prayer
R: Blessed are you, O Lord!
We praise you and give you thanks, God of steadfast love for the great signs of your favour and your mercy for the whole creation. R/
You have made all things.
You declared them to be good, for your Spirit dwells in them all and they belong to you, O Lord, who love the living. R/
We confess, O Lord, your glory in the immense starry spaces of the universe and in the smallest seed of life. We give thanks for the works of your hands and the creation of all people. R/
Blessed are you for the air that gives us life. Blessed are you for the earth that nourishes us.
Blessed are you for the water that quenches our thirst. Blessed are you for the fire that warms us. R/
Giving voice to the whole creation and gathering together every grief and joy, we glorify you and give you thanks. Lord God, you made all things, and will soon transfigure them, clothing them with your glory. R/
Let us pray. Lord God, Father of lights, strengthen our hearts in expectation and hope as we work for unity and together seek the harmony of all creation. Let us be burning lamps, until the day of the coming of your Son in glory, with all his saints in the everlasting kingdom. Blessed are you, now and forever, and to the ages of ages. AMEN.
Alternative Patristic Readings
From the Syriac tradition
The first book given by God to rational beings is the nature of created things. Instruction by means of ink was added after the transgression.
Isaac of Nineveh [7th century], First Collection, 5
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