DAILY READINGS & REFLECTION

JANUARY 18, 2025

SATURDAY OF THE FIRST WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

FIRST READING

HEBREWS 4:12-16

12 For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and spirit, of joints and marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. 13 And before him no creature is hidden, but all are open and laid bare to the eyes of him with whom we have to do. 14 Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 15 For we have not a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sinning. 16 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

The Word of the Lord
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RESPONSORIAL PSALM

PSALMS 18(19):8-10, 15

Response: Thy words, Lord, are Spirit and life.

The law of the LORD is perfect,
reviving the soul;
the testimony of the LORD is sure,
making wise the simple.

R. Thy words, Lord, are Spirit and life.

The precepts of the LORD are right,
rejoicing the heart;
the commandment of the LORD is pure,
enlightening the eyes.

R. Thy words, Lord, are Spirit and life.

The fear of the LORD is clean,
enduring for ever;
the ordinances of the LORD are true,
and righteous altogether.

R. Thy words, Lord, are Spirit and life.

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
be acceptable in thy sight,
O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.

R. Thy words, Lord, are Spirit and life. 
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GOSPEL

Many sinners were sitting with Jesus

MARK 2:13-17

13 He went out again beside the sea; and all the crowd gathered about him, and he taught them. 14 And as he passed on, he saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax office, and he said to him, "Follow me." And he rose and followed him. 15 And as he sat at table in his house, many tax collectors and sinners were sitting with Jesus and his disciples; for there were many who followed him. 16 And the scribes of the Pharisees, when they saw that he was eating with sinners and tax collectors, said to his disciples, "Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?" 17 And when Jesus heard it, he said to them, "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick; I came not to call the righteous, but sinners."

The Gospel of the Lord
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REFLECTION

DAILY QUOTE FROM THE EARLY CHURCH FATHERS

No physician can avoid the arena of sickness, by Gregory of Nazianzus (330 - 390 AD)

"When Jesus is attacked for mixing with sinners, and taking as his disciple a despised tax collector, one might ask: What could he possibly gain by doing so? (Luke 15:2) Only the salvation of sinners. To blame Jesus for mingling with sinners would be like blaming a physician for stooping down over suffering and putting up with vile smells in order to heal the sick."

(excerpt from ORATION 45, ON HOLY EASTER 26)
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Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (RSVCE)
The Revised Standard Version of the Bible: Catholic Edition, copyright © 1965, 1966 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.