Catholic Mass Readings and Reflection January 17, 2025
1st Week in Ordinary Time
17th January 2025 (Friday)
Psalter: Week 1
Readings of the Day
First Reading: Hebrews 4:1-5, 11
Let us be on our guard while the promise of entering into his rest remains, that none of you seem to have failed. For in fact we have received the Good News just as our ancestors did. But the word that they heard did not profit them, for they were not united in faith with those who listened. For we who believed enter into that rest, just as he has said: As I swore in my wrath, “They shall not enter into my rest,” and yet his works were accomplished at the foundation of the world. For he has spoken somewhere about the seventh day in this manner, And God rested on the seventh day from all his works; and again, in the previously mentioned place, They shall not enter into my rest. Therefore, let us strive to enter into that rest, so that no one may fall after the same example of disobedience.
Psalm 78:3 & 4bc, 6c-7, 8 (R. see 7b)
R/. Do not forget the works of the Lord!
Gospel Acclamation
V/. Alleluia
R/. Alleluia
V/. A great prophet has arisen in our midst and God has visited his people.
R/. Alleluia.
Gospel: Mark 2:1-12
When Jesus returned to Capernaum after some days, it became known that he was at home. Many gathered together so that there was no longer room for them, not even around the door, and he preached the word to them. They came bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men. Unable to get near Jesus because of the crowd, they opened up the roof above him. After they had broken through, they let down the mat on which the paralytic was lying. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to him, “Child, your sins are forgiven.” Now some of the scribes were sitting there asking themselves, “Why does this man speak that way? He is blaspheming. Who but God alone can forgive sins?” Jesus immediately knew in his mind what they were thinking to themselves, so he said, “Why are you thinking such things in your hearts? Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise, pick up your mat and walk’? But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority to forgive sins on earth” –he said to the paralytic, “I say to you, rise, pick up your mat, and go home.” He rose, picked up his mat at once, and went away in the sight of everyone. They were all astounded and glorified God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this.”
Daily Gospel Reflection
Friday – 1st Week in Ordinary Time
Guidelines: God promises His blessings, offering rest and peace now and eternal joy in heaven. Believing in and living by His promises requires faith.
1. In the gospel, Jesus heals a paralytic, forgiving his sins before healing his body. This act sparks controversy. While some people praise God, the scribes accuse Jesus of blasphemy.
2. Their accusations stem from their inability to recognize Jesus’ divine authority, purity of heart, and selfless compassion. They cannot accept His fairness and solidarity with everyone, free from prejudice. Jesus challenges their hypocrisy and lack of charity, exposing their shallow spirituality.
3. Amid this, Jesus appreciates the faith of the paralytic’s friends, who overcome obstacles to bring him to Jesus. He also emphasizes that healing the soul by forgiving sins is more crucial than physical healing.
Practice: God prioritizes spiritual and holistic health over physical well-being. He desires us to live in faith and strive for eternal rest.