THE MEMORIAL OF ST FRANCIS DE SALES, BISHOP AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH.

THE MEMORIAL OF ST FRANCIS DE SALES, BISHOP AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH. 

"He [Jesus] came home. Again the crowd gathered, making it impossible for them even to eat. When his relatives heard of this they set out to seize him, for they said, “He is out of his mind.” (Mark 3: 20 - 21).

Saturday, 24th January 2026, in the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time.

First let us consider the background to today's Gospel.

 Jesus is home in Capernaum. He has a room and board here. 

Simon Peter and brother Andrew also live here.

Where is Mary and the relatives of Jesus? They live in Nazareth, 30 miles away.

 The report they received of the activities of Jesus was so concerning that they decided to make the very long trip to confront Jesus.

For Jesus, constant preaching, teaching and healing was just the normal routine for the the Son of Man who had no time to stand and stare or eat. He was also training His seminarians to show them what ministry after seminary would look like.

The message for us here is not that Master and disciples have no time to eat but the cutting criticism from family and foe: "He is insane."

If you are super sensitive to criticism, forget ministry and look for a profession where you will be applauded always.

 Remember that Jesus says that He does not look for or care for the applause of human beings. Why? He knows who He is and that is enough that His Father and the Holy Spirit affirm Him.

Followers of Jesus should be inspired by this great truth. The praise of human beings are worthless. 

They sing your hosanna today and the next day shout from the top of their lungs "Crucify him. Crucify him."  Only God is worthy of trust. 

If you want to make important decisions in life, ask yourself this question: "Where is the greatest love to be found?"

Pope Francis shared this tip 

in a letter celebrating 400th anniversary of St Francis de Sales whose feast day is today. 

The Church honors the Most Holy Name of Jesus in January. 

“The name of Jesus Christ is terrible for demons, passions of the soul and diseases. Let us adorn and protect ourselves with it.” 

“The devils tremble and fly at the invocation of this holy name… He who in temptation calls upon Jesus shall not fall; and he who constantly invokes Him shall not fall, and shall be saved.”  

For the Litany of the Most Holy Name  of Jesus, click the link below 

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/12/litany-of-most-holy-name-of-jesus.html?m=1

 

THE FEAST OF ST VINCENT SARAGOSSA.

THE FEAST OF ST VINCENT SARAGOSSA, DEACON & MARTYR. 

"Jesus withdrew toward the sea with his disciples. A large number of people followed from Galilee and from Judea. Hearing what he was doing, a large number of people came to him also from Jerusalem, from Idumea, from beyond the Jordan, and from the neighborhood of Tyre and Sidon.

"He told his disciples to have a boat ready for him because of the crowd, so that they would not crush him. He had cured many and, as a result, those who had diseases were pressing upon him to touch him. 

"And whenever unclean spirits saw him they would fall down before him and shout, “You are the Son of God.” He warned them sternly not to make him known. (Mark 3: 7 - 12).

Friday January 23 in the 2nd  Week in Ordinary Time 

 23rd January is the feast of St Vincent Saragossa, Deacon.

 (+ 304). Spanish. Vincent tried to shield his Bishop in the fierce persecution of Emperor Diocletian but in vain. St Vincent  underwent one of the severest tortures in the history of martyrdom.

"He [Jesus] had cured many and, as a result, those who had diseases were pressing upon him to touch him," we read in today's Gospel. 

What is it about illness and disease that affect human spirit so profoundly?

In the trial of Job (the Book of Job), Satan said to God:

"But now stretch out your hand and strike his flesh and bones, and he will surely curse you to your face."  (Job 2: 5 NIV).

When our flesh and bone are touched in illness, we truly become desperate and seek for healing everywhere at all cost. 

Because of the fall of Adam and Eve, our bodies are subject to disease and illnesses. They become a football field for the demons. Illness and disease provide opportunities for demons to attack our minds. 

The under-proclaimed Good News is: Jesus is still healing today. He is still healing body, mind and soul every day and everywhere.

The stories of healings in the Gospel are too many to gloss over. 

Stand up. Be bold and claim your healing. 

Why do we read in the first Reading today (Hebrews 7: 25,  8 - 6:

"Jesus is always able to save those who approach God through him, since he lives forever to make intercession for them." 

The word of God is true and cannot deceive us. Approach Jesus Christ with confident and expectant faith and wrestle with Him about your healing. Those who were healed in the Gospel where not healed by staying at home and dreaming how nice it would feel if Jesus healed them. They made effort to track down Jesus and when they caught up with Him, they fell to the ground, worshiped Him and plead for healing. Can you do the same? 

The Church honors the Most Holy Name of Jesus in January. 

"Oh, the name of Jesus! There is power in that name to meet every condition of human need". (Smith Wigglesworth). 

For the Litany of the Most Holy Name of Jesus and prayer intentions click the link below

THE FEAST OF ST VINCENT SARAGOSSA, DEACON & MARTYR. 

"Jesus withdrew toward the sea with his disciples. A large number of people followed from Galilee and from Judea. Hearing what he was doing, a large number of people came to him also from Jerusalem, from Idumea, from beyond the Jordan, and from the neighborhood of Tyre and Sidon.

"He told his disciples to have a boat ready for him because of the crowd, so that they would not crush him. He had cured many and, as a result, those who had diseases were pressing upon him to touch him. 

"And whenever unclean spirits saw him they would fall down before him and shout, “You are the Son of God.” He warned them sternly not to make him known. (Mark 3: 7 - 12).

Friday January 23 in the 2nd year of Week in Ordinary Time 

 23rd Januarye inns the feast of St Vincent Saragossa, Deacon. (+ 304). Spanish. Vincent tried to shield his Bishop in the fierce persecution of Emperor Diocletian but in vain. St Vincent the underwent one of the severest tortures in the history of martyrdom.

"He [Jesus] had cured many and, as a result, those who had diseases were pressing upon him to touch him," we read in today's Gospel. 

What is it about illness and disease that affect human spirit so profoundly?

In the trial of Job (the Book of Job), Satan said to God:

"But now stretch out your hand and strike his flesh and bones, and he will surely curse you to your face."  (Job 2: 5 NIV).

When our flesh and bone are touched in illness, we truly become desperate and seek for healing everywhere at all cost. 

Because of the fall of Adam and Eve, our bodies are subject to disease and illnesses. They become a football field for the demons. Illness and disease provide opportunities for demons to attack our minds. 

The under-proclaimed Good News is: Jesus is still healing today. He is still healing body, mind and soul every day and everywhere.

The stories of healings in the Gospel are too many to gloss over. 

Stand up. Be bold and claim your healing. 

Why do we read in the first Reading today (Hebrews 7: 25,  8 - 6:

"Jesus is always able to save those who approach God through him, since he lives forever to make intercession for them." 

The word of God is true and cannot deceive us. Approach Jesus Christ with confident and expectant faith and wrestle with Him about your healing. Those who were healed in the Gospel where not healed by staying at home and dreaming how nice it would feel if Jesus healed them. They made effort to track down Jesus and when they caught up with Him, they fell to the ground, worshiped Him and plead for healing. Can you do the same? 

The Church honors the Most Holy Name of Jesus in January. 

"Oh, the name of Jesus! There is power in that name to meet every condition of human need". (Smith Wigglesworth). 

For the Litany of the Most Holy Name  of Jesus, click the link below 

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/12/litany-of-most-holy-name-of-jesus.html?m=1

 

TAKE YOUR ILLNESSES TO JESUS AND HE WILL HEAL YOU.

JESUS HEALS ALL WHO COME TO HIM WITH FAITH AND CONFIDENCE. 

"Jesus withdrew toward the sea with his disciples.

A large number of people followed from Galilee and from Judea.

Hearing what he was doing,

a large number of people came to him also from Jerusalem,

from Idumea, from beyond the Jordan,

and from the neighborhood of Tyre and Sidon.

He told his disciples to have a boat ready for him because of the crowd,

so that they would not crush him.

He had cured many and, as a result, those who had diseases

were pressing upon him to touch him.

And whenever unclean spirits saw him they would fall down before him

and shout, “You are the Son of God.”

He warned them sternly not to make him known."

(Mark 3: 7 - 12).

 Thursday 22nd January 2026, in the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time.

Today is the Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of the Unborn Children in the United States of America. 

Our Gospel for today shows the robust healing ministry of Jesus. 

"He had cured many and, as a result, those who had diseases

were pressing upon him to touch him.

And whenever unclean spirits saw him they would fall down before him

and shout, “You are the Son of God.”

My brothers and sisters, take your illness to Jesus and confidently ask Him for healing. Don't ask Him only once. Keep asking until you hear something from Jesus. 

The Church honors the Most Holy Name of Jesus in January. 

““All hail the power of Jesus’ name; let heaven fall in worship and crown Him Lord of all."

“How sweet the name of Jesus sounds, bringing rest and healing to the soul.” 

For the Litany of the Most Holy Name of Jesus and prayer intentions click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/12/litany-of-most-holy-name-of-jesus.html?m=1

THE MEMORIAL OF ST AGNES, VIRGIN AND MARTYR.

THE MEMORIAL OF ST AGNES, VIRGIN AND MARTYR. 

HEALING ON THE SABBATH. 

THE GOODNEWS:

"Jesus entered the  synagogue.

There was a man there who had a withered hand.

They watched Jesus closely

to see if he would cure him on the sabbath

so that they might accuse him.

He said to the man with the withered hand,

"Come up here before us."

Then he said to the Pharisees,

"Is it lawful to do good on the sabbath rather than to do evil,

to save life rather than to destroy it?"

But they remained silent.

Looking around at them with anger

and grieved at their hardness of heart,

. 

Jesus said to the man, 

"Stretch out your hand."

He stretched it out and his hand was restored.

The Pharisees went out and immediately took counsel

with the Herodians against him to put him to death."

(MARK 3: 1 - 6).

Wednesday 21st January 2026 in the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time is the Memorial of St Agnes (+ 304). Virgin and Martyr.

 Agnes who made a private vow of chastity to Jesus Christ resisted the attempt to force her into marriage.

 She was martyred at the age of 13.

 St Agnes is the patron saint of young girls and purity.

When we suffer with Christ, we can then shout with joy when His glory is revealed.

 No birth pang, no joy of nursing. No trials, no triumph. No cross, no crown. 

St Agnes whose feast is today suffered deprivation and martyrdom for the sake of Christ.

 Today she is enjoying her crown and glory in heaven. Her life is still remembered and celebrated throughout the world.

 Many churches and schools are named after her.

We have today in Mark 3: 1 - 6, another Sabbath controversy. Here we see Jesus on the offensive: “Is it lawful to do good on the sabbath rather than to do evil, to save life rather than to destroy it?” (Mark 3: 4).

We know the answer to the question  from the previous Sabbath  controversy. The adversaries of Jesus did not answer the question. 

They knew the answer but they had ill-will and hardness of heart and decided to keep silent. 

The man with the withered hand represents all of us.

 What the Pharisees miss is that the great day of healing is the Sabbath, Lord's Day / Sunday and the Healer is still the same: Jesus Christ healing His ailing sisters and brothers through His word and through the Eucharist.

Jesus speaks to us every day through the Scriptures proclaimed in the Sacred Liturgy.

 The same Scripture, the same Liturgy all over the world. This is the beauty of Catholicism. 

One Faith. One Pope. One Liturgy. Worldwide. 

The Church honors the Most Holy Name of Jesus in January. 

“In the sixteenth century, Saint Ignatius of Loyola had such a strong devotion to the Most Holy Name of Jesus that he adopted it as his seal as general of his newly founded order of the Jesuits; that monogram remains the Jesuits' official seal today. There is great power in the spoken name of Jesus."

For the Litany of the Most Holy Name of Jesus and prayer intentions click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/12/litany-of-most-holy-name-of-jesus.html?m=1

 

THE FEAST OF SAINTS FABIAN, SABESTIAN and Blessed Michael.

THE SABBATH IS MADE FOR MAN

"As Jesus was passing through a field of grain on the sabbath, his disciples began to make a path while picking the heads of grain. At this the Pharisees said to him, “Look, why are they doing what is unlawful on the sabbath?” 

"He said to them, “Have you never read what David did when he was in need and he and his companions were hungry? How he went into the house of God when Abiathar was high priest and ate the bread of ­offering that only the priests could lawfully eat, and shared it with his companions?”

"Then he said to them, “The sabbath was made for man, not man for the­ sabbath. That is why the Son of Man is lord even of the ­sabbath.” (Mark 2: 23 - 28).

Tuesday January 20th  in the 2nd Week in  Ordinary Time is the feast of Saints Fabian and Sabestian and Venerable Michael Iwunze. 

In Mark 2: 23 - 28, Jesus is entangled in a Sabbath controversy with the religious leaders.

 Jesus silenced them by saying: “The sabbath was made for man, not man for the sabbath. That is why the Son of Man is lord even of the sabbath.” (Mark 2: 27 - 28).

You, what do you consider lawful to do on the Sabbath [Sunday]? 

The Sabbath Rest is a key aspect of Judaism. The Sabbath day is sacred. The Sabbath Rest is one of the Ten Commandments given to Moses on Mount Sinai. Christianity being the daughter of Judaism adopted the Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament). The Sacred Magisterium of the Church (Teaching Authority) made Sunday the Day of Rest instead of the Sabbath (Saturday) because of the Resurrection of Jesus on Sunday.

Make no mistake about it, the requirement for the Sabbath Rest has not changed under Christianity. "Keep Holy the Lord's Day" is one of the most positive and beneficial commandments of the Decalogue. Let us list a few reasons:

#1 Sunday becomes a Day of Rest for the entire family.

#2 Sunday is the Day of mandatory worship of God in the Holy Eucharist.

#3 Sunday is a Day of exercise of faith in God who ordered the rest and promised to provide fully for the day.

#4 Sunday rest is rehearsal for eternal life. When this life ends, there will be no more work. It will be an eternity of enjoyment of the most beautiful liturgies and music and other things which eyes have not seen, nor eyes heard, nor has it ever entered the mind of man what God has prepared for those who love and obey Him.

Jesus observed the Sabbath scrupulously and desires His followers to do the same.

The Church honors the Most Holy Name of Jesus in January. 

“Faith in Jesus and in the power of His Holy Name is the greatest spiritual force in the world today.... " (Blessed Henry Suso - 1290 to 1365).

For the Litany of the Most Holy Name of Jesus and prayer intentions click the link below:

The Church honors the Most Holy Name of Jesus in January. 

“To holy people the very name of Jesus is a name to feed upon, a name to transport. His name can raise the dead and transfigure and beautify the living.”

(St John Henry Newman (1801-1890)

For the Litany of the Most Holy Name of Jesus and prayer intentions click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/12/litany-of-most-holy-name-of-jesus.html?m=1

TO FAST OR TO FEAST.

TO FAST OR TO FEAST, THAT IS THE QUESTION. 

"FASTING GIVES BIRTH TO PROPHETS AND STRENGTHENS THE POWERFUL; FASTING MAKES LAWGIVERS WISE. FASTING IS A SAFEGUARD FOR THE SOUL.... FASTING REPELS TEMPTATIONS... " (ST BASIL THE GREAT). 

“The disciples of John and of the Pharisees were accustomed to fast.

People came to Jesus and objected,

“Why do the disciples of John and the disciples of the Pharisees fast,

 but your disciples do not fast?”

Jesus answered them,

“Can the wedding guests fast while the bridegroom is with them?

As long as they have the bridegroom with them they cannot fast.

But the days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them,

and then they will fast on that day.

No one sews a piece of unshrunken cloth on an old cloak.

If he does, its fullness pulls away,

the new from the old, and the tear gets worse.

Likewise, no one pours new wine into old wineskins.

Otherwise, the wine will burst the skins,

and both the wine and the skins are ruined.

Rather, new wine is poured into fresh wineskins" (Mark 2: 18 - 22).

Monday January 19 in the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time. 

To fast or not to fast, that is the question. 

The Gospel of today deals with fasting.

 Fasting, Prayer and Almsgiving are the 3 pillars of Christian spiritual life.

Do you fast? How often? What do you fast from?

On the three pillars of the spiritual life, the Church teaches:

CCC 1434: "The interior penance of the Christian can be expressed in many and various ways.

 Scripture and the Fathers insist above all on three forms, fasting, prayer, and almsgiving, which express conversion in relation to oneself, to God, and to others.

 Alongside the radical purification brought about by Baptism or martyrdom they cite as means of obtaining forgiveness of sins: efforts at reconciliation with one’s neighbor, tears of repentance, concern for the salvation of one’s neighbor, the intercession of the saints, and the practice of charity “which covers a multitude of sins.”

As for the concern of the scribes and the Pharisees with regard to the fasting and prayers of Jesus and His disciples, Jesus has a short answer for His challengers:

"New wine must be poured into fresh wineskins." (Cf Luke 5: 38). Meaning: Open your eyes and see. I am doing New Things!

"I am the light of the world, says the Lord; anyone who follows me will have the light of life." (John 8: 12)

Some Christians abstain from meat and alcohol on Friday and Wednesday.

 Others abstain also from television, movies and gambling.

 Fasting and abstinence are not options for a Christian. They are signs of a mature faith. 

"The prayer of adoration at night has the power and efficacy of that prayer made with fasting that I recommended to My apostles as the means of expelling demons from the souls whom they torture and oppress. For this reason, the demons fear and hate adoration made at night, while the angels rejoice over it, and place themselves at the service of the soul who desires to do it." (IN SINU JESU page 240).

The Church honors the Most Holy Name of Jesus in January. 

“To holy people the very name of Jesus is a name to feed upon, a name to transport. His name can raise the dead and transfigure and beautify the living.”

(St John Henry Newman (1801-1890)

For the Litany of the Most Holy Name of Jesus and prayer intentions click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/12/litany-of-most-holy-name-of-jesus.html?m=1

THIS IS JESUS - THE LAMB OF GOD.

JESUS, THE SPIRIT, JOHN THE BAPTIST. 

The Holy Spirit came and rested on Jesus. That is the Sign. The fullness of time is here. 

"John the Baptist saw Jesus coming toward him and said, 

“Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.

 He is the one of whom I said, 

‘A man is coming after me who ranks ahead of me because he existed before me.’ 

I did not know him, but the reason why I came baptizing with water was that he might be made known to Israel.” 

"John testified further, saying, 

“I saw the Spirit come down like a dove from heaven and remain upon him.

 I did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me,

 ‘On whomever you see the Spirit come down and remain, he is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’ 

 Now I have seen and testified that he is the Son of God.” (John 1: 29 - 34).

Sunday January 18TH in the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time.

In the Gospel of this Sunday, three personalities in salvation history are presented to us.

St John the Baptist whose mission is to prepare the people for the coming of Christ at the appointed time.

 John fulfilled this mission through calling the people to repentance and a return to the ways of the Lord.

 The symbol of that metanoi is acceptance of the water Baptism.

In the fullness of time, Jesus appeared in the River Jordan and asked to be baptized by John.

 John recognized who Jesus is and protested that he is not worthy to administer Baptism to JESUS. 

Don’t worry Johnny. Go ahead and baptize. 

The Father's providential plan must be adhered to.

After the Baptism of Jesus, the Holy Spirit confirms that Jesus is truly the Son of God, the expected Messiah.

 "On whomever you see the Spirit come down and remain, he is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit."

The Holy Spirit Baptism is what makes the sons and daughters of God, brothers and sisters of Jesus Christ, priests, princes and prophets. 

From this Baptism, we receive our vocation and the gifts of the Holy Spirit to live out this vocation. 

As we are led by the Spirit, we start to manifest the fruits of the Spirit.

 People notice the transformation in us and desire what we have.

The Mission and the Goal of the Church is Evangelization.

 The Holy Spirit is the Source and power of Evangelization.

Come Holy Spirit and fill the hearts of Your faithful. Kindle in us the fire of Your divine love.

The Church honors the Most Holy Name of Jesus in January. 

“Faith in Jesus and in the power of His Holy Name is the greatest spiritual force in the world today.... " (Blessed Henry Suso - 1290 to 1365).

For the Litany of  the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/12/litany-of-most-holy-name-of-jesus.html?m=1

THE MEMORIAL OF ST ANTHONY THE ABBOT.

THE MEMORIAL OF ST  ANTHONY THE ABBOT. 

The Choice, Call and Anointing of St Matthew the Apostle and Evangelist is a good example in the workings of Divine Providence and the subject of our reflection today. 

"Jesus went out along the sea. All the crowd came to him and he taught them. 

"As he passed by, he saw Levi, son of Alphaeus, sitting at the customs post. Jesus said to him, “Follow me.” And he got up and followed Jesus.

"While he was at table in his house, many tax collectors and sinners sat with Jesus and his disciples; for there were many who followed him.

"Some scribes who were Pharisees saw that Jesus was eating with sinners and tax collectors and said to his disciples, “Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?”

"Jesus heard this and said to them, “Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do. I did not come to call the righteous but sinners.” (Mark 2: 13 - 17).

Saturday 17 January 2026 of the 1st Week in Ordinary TIME. Today is the Memorial of St Anthony, Abbott. 

The Pharisees were scandalized to see Jesus in table fellowship with a large group of sinners, tax collectors and prostitutes. The Pharisees not known to hold back their judgment on moral failure were quick to pass judgment and condemn Jesus. 

There are a number of teaching points in this situation, but let us  consider the workings of Divine Providence in this story. 

Our life in Christ is never about what we do or are doing at any time. It is about what Jesus is doing in us. You are where you are because this is exactly where God wants you to be. There are no accidents in life. Everything is Divine Providence. 

Jesus has a Divine Appointment with Levi and who is also called Matthew in today's Gospel. 

Our Gospel of today is the Choice and Call of Matthew. 

"As he passed by, he saw Levi, son of Alphaeus, sitting at the customs post. Jesus said to him, “Follow me.” And he got up and followed Jesus."  

Jesust chose and called Matthew. The initiative and action is Always by Jesus. 

This is Divine Providence in action.

Jesus has shown and said that He is not ashamed to call us His brothers and sisters. He knows who we are and the stuff of which we are made.

 Remember the Genealogy of Jesus Christ Son of David? That's the whole point. He came to redeem and save His kith and kin.

If Jesus is not ashamed to call you His brother and sister. Do not be ashamed to call Him your Lord.

I live by the promises of Jesus. Jesus expects me to trust His Promises, His Providence, Plan, Purpose, Design, Blueprint for my life.  I am learning to do this one event, one place at a time. It is an exciting learning experience. St Matthew, Apostle, Evangelist and Recorder aid us with your intercession. 

St Anthony the Abbot pray for us? 

The Church honors the Most Holy Name of Jesus in January. 

“Faith in Jesus and in the power of His Holy Name is the greatest spiritual force in the world today.... " (Blessed Henry Suso - 1290 to 1365).

For the Litany of t the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/12/litany-of-most-holy-name-of-jesus.html?m=1

JESUS IS GOD AND THEREFORE CAN FORGIVE SINS.

WHO HAS POWER TO FORGIVE SINS? 

A Bishop, but A Cardinal?

NO! ONLY GOD. 

THE GOODNEWS:

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 to 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.” (Mark 2: 1 - 12).

Friday 16th January 2026 in the First Week in Ordinary Time. 

How do you reckon with sin?

"She [Mary] will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”

Mary's Son will be named Jesus (Yeshua, that is Savior) because He will save His people [us] from sin.

In our key Scripture for today, we see Jesus answer the challenge of the lawyers as to His power to forgive sin.

 The background of the story is the crippled man lowered from the ceiling to the presence of Jesus.

 Jesus could have commanded the man to stand up and go home. 

But instead He said: “Child, your sins are forgiven.” (Mark 2: 5).

Why did Jesus do this? Perhaps to teach that there is a connection between Sin, Suffering and Salvation.

The doctors of the law who challenged Jesus believe that the authority to forgive sins belongs to God alone. They were right. But Jesus is God. Jesus answered them by saying: I will prove to you that as Messiah, I can forgive sins by healing this crippled man.

 “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." (Mark 2: 11 - 12).

Jesus dealt first with the root and source of illness.  The Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world knows more than anyone the intricate connection between Sin, Suffering and Salvation.

Every Sunday, we repeat in the Creed:

"I believe in the forgiveness of sins."

There is no salvation without the elimination of sin. Sin is the one cancer that blocks the benefits of salvation in our lives. 

When Jesus appeared to His disciples in the Upper Room after His Resurrection, He first said to them: "Peace be with you." Then He said: "Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained.” (John 20: 23). 

Thus Jesus gave us the great gift of the Sacrament of Reconciliation, also called Confession or Penance.

Some churches have problem about confessing our sins to a priest. 

Let us pray for the grace to learn the truths of our faith and express it in gentleness and works of charity.

The Church honors the Most Holy Name of Jesus in January. 

The Name as Medicine (Healing)

Bernard asks, "Is anyone among you sad? Let Jesus come into his heart, and from there leap to his tongue." The Name is the "Extraordinary Remedy" for the "extraordinary needs" of 2026.

 It has the power to:

  Check the Mystery of Iniquity: It puts the "Antichrist" spirit to flight."

For the Litany of the Most Holy Name of Jesus and prayer intentions click the link below:

He writes, "All food is dry if it is not seasoned with this oil." Without the Name of Jesus, all intellectual study." (St Bernard of Clairvaux). 

For the Litany of t the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/12/litany-of-most-holy-name-of-jesus.html?m=1

🙏🙏🙏🙏

Friday 16th January 2026 in the First Week in Ordinary Time. 

How do you reckon with sin?

"She [Mary] will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”

Mary's Son will be named Jesus (Yeshua, that is Savior) because He will save His people [us] from sin.

In our key Scripture for today, we see Jesus answer the challenge of the lawyers as to His power to forgive sin.

 The background of the story is the crippled man lowered from the ceiling to the presence of Jesus.

 Jesus could have commanded the man to stand up and go home. 

But instead He said: “Child, your sins are forgiven.” (Mark 2: 5).

Why did Jesus do this? Perhaps to teach that there is a connection between Sin, Suffering and Salvation.

The doctors of the law who challenged Jesus believe that the authority to forgive sins belongs to God alone. They were right. But Jesus is God. Jesus answered them by saying: I will prove to you that as Messiah, I can forgive sins by healing this crippled man.

 “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." (Mark 2: 11 - 12).

Jesus dealt first with the root and source of illness.  The Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world knows more than anyone the intricate connection between Sin, Suffering and Salvation.

Every Sunday, we repeat in the Creed:

"I believe in the forgiveness of sins."

There is no salvation without the elimination of sin. Sin is the one cancer that blocks the benefits of salvation in our lives. 

When Jesus appeared to His disciples in the Upper Room after His Resurrection, He first said to them: "Peace be with you." Then He said: "Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained.” (John 20: 23). 

Thus Jesus gave us the great gift of the Sacrament of Reconciliation, also called Confession or Penance.

Some churches have problem about confessing our sins to a priest. 

Let us pray for the grace to learn the truths of our faith and express it in gentleness and works of charity.

The Church honors the Most Holy Name of Jesus in January. 

The Name as Medicine (Healing)

Bernard asks, "Is anyone among you sad? Let Jesus come into his heart, and from there leap to his tongue." The Name is the "Extraordinary Remedy" 

For the Litany of the Most Holy Name of Jesus and prayer intentions click the link below:

He writes, "All food is dry if it is not seasoned with this oil." Without the Name of Jesus, all intellectual study." (St Bernard of Clairvaux). 

Jesus dealt first with the root and source of illness.  The Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world knows more than anyone the intricate connection between Sin, Suffering and Salvation.

Every Sunday, we repeat in the Creed:

"I believe in the forgiveness of sins."

There is no salvation without the elimination of sin. Sin is the one cancer that blocks the benefits of salvation in our lives. 

When Jesus appeared to His disciples in the Upper Room after His Resurrection, He first said to them: "Peace be with you." Then He said: "Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained.” (John 20: 23). 

Thus Jesus gave us the great gift of the Sacrament of Reconciliation, also called Confession or Penance.

The Church honors the Most Holy Name of Jesus in January. 

The Name as Medicine (Healing)

Bernard asks, "Is anyone among you sad? Let Jesus come into his heart, and from there leap to his tongue." The Name is the "Extraordinary Remedy" for the "extraordinary needs" of 2026.

 It has the power to:

  Check the Mystery of Iniquity: It puts the "Antichrist" spirit to flight."

For the Litany of the Most Holy Name  the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/12/litany-of-most-holy-name-of-jesus.html?m=1

WITH JUST ONE WORD, JESUS HEALED THE LEPER.

I HEAL ALL WHO COME TO ME. 

I do will it. Be made clean. 

"A leper came to Jesus and kneeling down begged him and said,

 “If you wish, you can make me clean.”

 Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand, touched him, and said to him, “

I do will it. 

Be made clean.”

 The leprosy left him immediately, and he was made clean. 

Then, warning him sternly, he dismissed him at once.

He said to him, “See that you tell no one anything, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer for your cleansing what Moses prescribed; that will be proof for them.”

The man went away and began to publicize the whole matter. 

He spread the report abroad so that it was impossible for Jesus to enter a town openly. He remained outside in deserted places, and people kept coming to him from everywhere." (Mark 1: 40 - 45).

Thursday January 15th 2026 in the 1st Week in Ordinary Time. 

Our reflection is from this beautiful words of Jesus:

"I do will it. Be made clean."

With these words, Jesus healed the leper and restored him to wholesomeness. One word by the Son of God.!

Jesus said to the Paralytic: "Son your sins are forgiven." 

The Pharisees were scandalized and reproached Jesus in their hearts. 

Jesus is willing to heal anyone who approached Him on Faith and Humility.

Do you believe in the power of the Holy Name of Jesus?

THE Church honors the Most Holy Name of Jesus every January.

“The Name as Food (Nourishment)

He writes, "All food is dry if it is not seasoned with this oil." Without the Name of Jesus, all intellectual study." (St Bernard of Clairvaux). 

Click the Litany of t the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/12/litany-of-most-holy-name-of-jesus.html?m=1

THE CALL OF THE APOSTLES.

FISHERS OF MEN. 

THE GOODNEWS:

" Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God,  and saying,

 "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand;

 repent, and believe in the gospel."

  And passing along by the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew the brother of Simon casting a net in the sea; for they were fishermen.

  And Jesus said to them, 

"Follow me and I will make you become fishers of men."

  And immediately they left their nets and followed him.

 And going on a little farther, he saw James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, who were in their boat mending the nets. 

And immediately he called them; and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants, AND they left their father Zebedee in the boat and followed him. 

(Mak 1: 14 - 20). 

In the Gospel of today, the very first word Jesus uttered in the mission field of Galilee is very important and significant:

“This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.”

"The time of fulfillment" or the fullness of time will be sure to catch the attention of any religious Jew. This is why. Every prophecy comes to birth in the fullness of time. 

Does the proclamation of Jesus in today's Gospel has the same urgency for us now as the audience of Jesus in the first century AD? Absolutely sure. 

In the Letter to the Hebrews, we read: "Indeed, the word of God is living and effective, sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating even between soul and spirit, joints and marrow, and able to discern reflections and thoughts of the heart."

In the fullness of time, Jesus came to Galilee and called four of His first disciples. They heard the Call and left everything and followed Jesus at once. Because it is the fullness of time.

The Church honors the Most Holy Name of Jesus in January. 

“To holy people the very name of Jesus is a name to feed upon, a name to transport. His name can raise the dead and transfigure and beautify the living.”

(St John Henry Newman (1801-1890)

For the Litany of the Most Holy Name of Jesus and prayer intentions click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/12/litany-of-most-holy-name-of-jesus.html?m=1