Catholic Mass Readings and Reflection January 14, 2025

14th January 2025 (Tuesday)

Psalter: Week 1

Readings of the Day

First Reading: Hebrews 2:5-12

It was not to angels that God subjected the world to come, of which we are speaking. Instead, someone has testified somewhere: What is man that you are mindful of him, or the son of man that you care for him? You made him for a little while lower than the angels; you crowned him with glory and honour, subjecting all things under his feet. In “subjecting” all things to him, he left nothing not “subject to him.” Yet at present we do not see “all things subject to him,” but we do see Jesus “crowned with glory and honour” because he suffered death, he who “for a little while” was made “lower than the angels,” that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone. For it was fitting that he, for whom and through whom all things exist, in bringing many children to glory, should make the leader to their salvation perfect through suffering. He who consecrates and those who are being consecrated all have one origin. Therefore, he is not ashamed to call them “brothers” saying: I will proclaim your name to my brethren, in the midst of the assembly I will praise you.

Psalm 8:2ab and 5, 6-7, 8-9 (R. see 7)

R/. You have given your Son rule over the works of your hands.

Gospel Acclamation

V/. Alleluia

R/. Alleluia

V/. Receive the word of God, not as the word of men, but as it truly is, the word of God.

R/. Alleluia.

Gospel: Mark 1:21-28

Jesus came to Capernaum with his followers, and on the sabbath he entered the synagogue and taught. The people were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority and not as the scribes. In their synagogue was a man with an unclean spirit; he cried out, “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are–the Holy One of God!” Jesus rebuked him and said, “Quiet! Come out of him!” The unclean spirit convulsed him and with a loud cry came out of him. All were amazed and asked one another, “What is this? A new teaching with authority. He commands even the unclean spirits and they obey him.” His fame spread everywhere throughout the whole region of Galilee.

Daily Gospel Reflection

Tuesday – 1st Week in Ordinary Time

Guidelines: True authority is not about controlling others but comes from deep spiritual strength and integrity.

1. People notice that Jesus is different from their religious leaders. Unlike the scribes and Pharisees, Jesus’ authority is not based on status or position. Instead, it stems from his relationship with the Father and his strong character.

2. This spiritual authority gives his teaching clarity and power and enables him to heal. It reflects holiness, goodness, and dedication, challenging and driving out evil. This is the authority the Pharisees and scribes lack but that Jesus possesses in abundance.

3. This difference highlights the kind of authority every follower of Christ should have. It should be rooted in spirituality and integrity, not just in holding a position. Leaders especially must see their roles as channels of grace, not instruments of control.

Practice: Preaching effectively and healing are not just special gifts of the Spirit but signs of genuine spirituality. Moral and spiritual authority matter more than any formal power.