Catholic Mass Readings and Reflection January 13, 2025
1st Week in Ordinary Time
13th January 2025 (Monday)
Psalter: Week 1
Readings of the Day
First Reading: Hebrews 1:1-6
Brothers and sisters: In times past, God spoke in partial and various ways to our ancestors through the prophets; in these last days, he spoke to us through the Son, whom he made heir of all things and through whom he created the universe, who is the refulgence of his glory, the very imprint of his being, and who sustains all things by his mighty word. When he had accomplished purification from sins, he took his seat at the right hand of the Majesty on high, as far superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs. For to which of the angels did God ever say: You are my Son; this day I have begotten you? Or again: I will be a father to him, and he shall be a Son to me? And again, when he leads the first born into the world, he says: Let all the angels of God worship him.
Psalm 97:1 and 2b, 6 and 7c, 9 (R. see 7c)
R/. Let all his angels worship him.
Gospel Acclamation
V/. Alleluia
R/. Alleluia
V/. The Kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the Gospel.
R/. Alleluia.
Gospel: Mark 1:14-20
After John had been arrested, Jesus came to Galilee proclaiming the Gospel of God: “This is the time of fulfillment. The Kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the Gospel.” As he passed by the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting their nets into the sea; they were fishermen. Jesus said to them, “Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Then they left their nets and followed him. He walked along a little farther and saw James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John. They too were in a boat mending their nets. Then he called them. So they left their father Zebedee in the boat along with the hired men and followed him.
Daily Gospel Reflection
Monday – 1st Week in Ordinary Time
Guidelines: The Kingdom of God is not a physical place but a life of faith and transformation. It needs people to join it and others to lead more people into it.
1. Jesus starts his ministry by clearly setting its focus and priorities. The goal is the Kingdom of God and drawing closer to it. The key requirements are repentance and faith in the gospel.
2. Repentance is not just feeling sorry for wrongdoings but experiencing deep sorrow for offending God. It also involves a complete and sincere turn from sin and evil. True repentance avoids sin and breaks any attachment to it. Turning away from evil allows one to turn toward God, and sorrow over offending God leads to devotion and surrender to Him.
3. This is the essence of faith and its action. Repentance and transformation, along with love and surrender, form true faith. This is what it means to belong to the Kingdom and is the mission of Jesus.
4. To fulfill this mission, Jesus calls disciples. For them, this invitation is both an honor and a mission. It transforms them from simple fishermen into fishers of souls, tasked with bringing people to God. Their role requires accepting the call, letting go of everything else, and fully dedicating themselves to following Jesus.
Practice: God’s call raises us to a higher dignity. It is a gift of His grace, and our responsibility is to respond wholeheartedly and work with Him. This is our purpose and mission.
