SOCL, 03A

Sunday, January 25, 2026

See

The heart of Jesus’ proclamation is given in today’s Gospel. As is often noted, the word “repent” is not the best translation of the original Greek and it would be better to use some other expression such as “convert.” It really means a new way of looking at everything, a new mind or outlook. It may of course include being sorry about the past, but the real energy is towards the future: “convert and put your trust in the Good News.” We could put it like this: from what are we called to conversion is important; more important is towards what are we being called?

Listen

Is 8:23-9:3 (9:1-4); Ps 27(26) 1 Corinthians 1:10-13, 17; Matthew 4:12-23

Reflect

(Matthew 4:12-23)

Jesus moved to Capernaum to establish a home there, a home that would be secure and give him a base for his future ministry. Where have you found a secure base for your life and work?

“The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light” … Jesus applies this to himself and his message. Who have been the Jesus people who have been a source of light to you? Have you been such a light for others?

“From that time Jesus began to proclaim….” This marks a turning point in the life of Jesus. From now on his mission was clear to him and he spoke out. Can you recall turning points in your life after which the future became more clear?

His message was a call to repentance, to a change of attitude toward God, from seeing God as one to be feared to seeing God as a God of love. When have you heard that call in your life? What was it like for you?

Jesus invited disciples to join him in his mission. What have been the occasions in your life when you have had an invitation to join someone in a great project? What was that like for you? Have you given that invitation to others?

In responding, the disciples “left their nets” to follow Jesus. Sometimes we have to disentangle ourselves from other things to give ourselves freely and wholeheartedly to a commitment. Have you experienced being “enmeshed” and being free?

In v. 23 we have a summary of the ministry of Jesus – “proclaiming the good news of the kingdom” and witnessing to this by teaching and healing. Who has been such a witness to you? What have been the signs that accompanied their witness? When have you done this yourself ?

Pray

God of salvation, the splendour of your glory dispels the darkness of earth, for in Christ we behold the nearness of your kingdom. Now make us quick to follow where he beckons, eager to embrace the tasks of the gospel. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen.

The Word today, 03A

January 26 - January 31, 2026

Monday 26 January

St Timothy and Titus, bishops

2 Timothy 1:1-8 The tone of encouragement is always needed and today, more than ever, we need the reminder to fan into a flame the gift of God.

Mark 4:26-34 A further few seed parables illuminate the Gospel. The parable of the farmer asleep is especially encouraging: just let things grow. Cf. I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. (1Corinthians 3:6)

Tuesday 27 January

St Angela Merici, virgin

2 Samuel 6:12-15, 17-19 The ark represented the presence of God on the move with the people. The settling down, so to speak, of God’s presence in Jerusalem, even without a temple, was indeed a momentous choice.

Mark 3:31-35 Our reading can feel a little unsettling because it sounds like Jesus is dismissing his family, including his mother. However, it is really an affirmation of the essence of discipleship.

Wednesday 28 January

St Thomas Aquinas, religious and doctor

2 Samuel 7:4-17 Today we read from one of a few absolutely central texts from the Old Testament. Earlier in the chapter, David made a proposal to build God a house. Through Nathan, God refuses David for the substantial reasons given. Nevertheless, a tremendous promise is made to David and his “house”, a mark of God’s love and faithfulness through time.

Mark 4:1-20 This long reading can be tricky. The original parable is given first, a parable from the lips of Jesus. The later explanation of the parable comes from church tradition, a kind of allegorical reading. The allegory narrows the original meaning of the parable. In between, the question of the disciples is difficult. It seems to be answering a later issue: how was that that most of Jesus’ fellow Jews did not recognise him as the Messiah?

Thursday 29 January

2 Samuel 7:18-19, 24-29 The full context of this reading is interesting. David proposed building a temple, a house for God. Speaking through Nathan the prophet, God said, no, but that God would build him a house, a dynasty. The bit we get to hear today is the pious part!! Christians see in Jesus, the Son of David, the fulfilment of God’s promise to be faithful to the house of David.

Mark 4:21-25 It may help to recall that in those days a lamp was a naked flame. Putting it under a bed would not be advisable at all! The enigmatic second saying is presented as a shocking contrast. It should read, “from the one who thinks he has (but really does not), even what he thinks he has will be taken away. It is a stern wake-up call.

Friday 30 January

St Aidan, bishop

2 Samuel 11:1-4, 5-10, 13-17 This is a horrible and fascinating story. The opening lines set up the tension. It begins with, at the turn of the year when kings to campaigning and we expect to hear, “David went to war”, but on the contrary the wretch was at home committing adultery. To cover his tracks, David acted really, really badly, as we hear.

Mark 4:26-34 A further few seed parables illuminate the Gospel. The parable of the farmer asleep is especially encouraging: just let things grow. Cf. I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. (1Corinthians 3:6)

Saturday 31 January

St John Bosco, priest and religious

2 Samuel 12:1-7, 10-17 Because of David’s adultery with the wife of Uriah and his subsequent murder, the prophet Nathan is sent by God to accuse David of his sins. The prophet begins by tricking the king into righteous anger and then very cleverly catching him out. The electric words are “You are the man.” David wasn’t the first or last person in the world to have been a hypocrite or to have acted inconsistently.

Mark 4:35-41 Already at the hands of Mark, the calming of the storm is to be read symbolically. The later church, under tremendous pressure during the Jewish War, questions the presence and even the concern of Jesus. The final question is one we need to ask again and again.

References

-United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. (2026h, January 25). Third Sunday in ordinary time. USCCB. https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/012526.cfm

-Sunday readings. (n.d.-s). Hearers of the Word. https://www.tarsus.ie/SundayReadings

One another, 03A

January 25, 2026

Is 8:23-9:3 (9:1-4); Ps 27(26) 1 Corinthians 1:10-13, 17; Matthew 4:12-23

To God who welcomes all in love, let us pray for the good of the church and the concerns of those in need:

For the Church: that we may have the freedom to leave everything and follow Jesus’ call to serve the reign of God: let us pray to the Lord.

For openness to the Word of God: that we may allow God’s Word to enter our hearts, bring us to a deeper relationship with Christ, and inspire us to live more fully for Christ each day: let us pray to the Lord.

For all ministers of the Word of God, particularly those who preach or proclaim the Word of God in our parish: that the words of scripture may find a home in their hearts and that they may announce the Word with boldness and conviction: let us pray to the Lord.

For the grace of repentance: that we may hear God’s invitation and prioritize seeking the reign of God in our lives: let us pray to the Lord.

For a spirit of hope: that all who find themselves walking in darkness may be renewed in mind and spirit with a vision of light and promise of wholeness: let us pray to the Lord.

For healing within the Body of Christ: that God will heal the wounds and sins that have caused divisions between Christian communities and help us to trust and work together in sharing the Good News and serving the needs of God’s people: let us pray to the Lord.

For all who help others find Christ, for spiritual directors, catechists, missionaries, and evangelists: that they may share the good news of Jesus in life-giving and healing ways: let us pray to the Lord.

For all who are discerning a call to ministry: that God will help them hear the call and recognize the gifts they have that can assist with the needs of human hearts: let us pray to the Lord.

For all who are unjustly detained or deprived of freedom: that they may be freed unharmed and return to their communities and loved ones: let us pray to the Lord.

For all who feel caught in the darkness of depression or addiction: that the light of God’s love will guide them to freedom and a new beginning: let us pray to the Lord.

For all who minister in Catholic schools: that God will prosper their work and help them form young people in knowledge and virtue: let us pray to the Lord.

For all suffering from violence or who are refugees: that God will protect them from harm, guide them to food and shelter, and open the hearts of many to assist them: let us pray to the Lord.

For greater stewardship of natural resources: that God will guide us in balancing and harmonizing our activities with resources that God has entrusted to us: let us pray to the Lord.

For all who are ill: that the Spirit will ease their suffering, bring encouragement through the care of the Christian community, and restore them to wholeness: let us pray to the Lord.

For an end to civil disturbances: that God will restore peace in cities, help people to respect each other and to cooperate for the greater good: let us pray to the Lord.

For Peace: that God will turn hearts from violence and warfare, open minds to dialogue, and help all people to work for the good of the poor and suffering: let us pray to the Lord.

God of every land and nation, you have created all people and you dwell among us in Jesus Christ. Listen to the cries of those who pray to you, and grant that, as we proclaim the greatness of your name, all people will know the power of love at work in the world. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

References

-United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. (2026h, January 25). Third Sunday in ordinary time. USCCB. https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/012526.cfm

-Cormier, J. (1995). Lord, Hear Our Prayer: Prayer of the Faithful for Sundays, Holy Days, and Ritual Masses.