Catholic Mass Readings and Reflection January 18, 2025
1st Week in Ordinary Time
18th January 2025 (Saturday)
Psalter: Week 1
Readings of the Day
First Reading: Hebrews 4:12-16
Brethren: the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account. 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. For we do not have 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 sin. 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.
Psalm 19:8, 9, 10, 15 (R.see John 6:63c)
R/. Your words, O Lord, are spirit and life
Gospel Acclamation
V/. Alleluia
R/. Alleluia
V/. The Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor; to proclaim liberty to the captives
R/. Alleluia.
Gospel: Mark 2:13-17
At that time: Jesus went out again beside the sea, and all the crowd was coming to him, and he was teaching them. And as he passed by, he saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, “Follow me.” And he rose and followed him. And as he reclined at table in his house, many tax collectors and sinners were reclining with Jesus and his disciples, for there were many who followed him. 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?” 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.” ”
Daily Gospel Reflection
Saturday – 1st Week in Ordinary Time
Guidelines: God’s choices are beyond human understanding. We must rise above worldly reasoning and trust His plans.
1. God’s ways often defy our expectations. We tend to place restrictions on His grace, deciding who deserves His blessings. This is evident in the call of Levi, the tax collector.
2. When Jesus calls Levi and dines with him, the Pharisees criticize Him, asking, “Why does He eat with tax collectors and sinners?” But Jesus’ choices are not based on past actions or human labels. He sees potential and calls people for who they can become.
3. Jesus clarifies His mission: “I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.” His actions challenge societal prejudices and highlight the transformative power of His call.
4. The first reading reminds us to embrace God’s Word, which is alive and powerful, revealing our true selves and guiding us toward holiness.
Practice: Our worth lies not in what we were before God’s call but in what He enables us to become. Trust in His grace and live a life that reflects your divine calling.