January 2023: Mass Readings and Resources (2024)

Sundays and Holy Days for January 2023

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January 1 is the Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God. This feast day celebrates the Blessed Virgin Mary in her role as the mother of our Lord Jesus.

St. Basil the Great was a fourth century Greek bishop. His feast day is January 2. He was a skilled orator who was known for supporting the Nicene creed over Arianism.

In the gospel for a Christmas weekday on January 3, John the Baptist points out Jesus and says, "Behold, the Lamb of God".

At the heart of the Gospel for a Christmas weekday on January 4, from John 1:35-42, is a moment of profound recognition and response. John the Baptist, seeing Jesus, declares Him to be the "Lamb of God." This title, rich in Jewish religious symbolism, speaks of sacrifice and redemption, directly connecting to the Paschal Lamb of the Exodus. This is a crucial insight for us, especially in the season of Christmas. It reminds us that the child in the manger is destined for a sacrificial role, one that will bring about the ultimate redemption of humanity.

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton foundeds the first free Catholic school in America. Because of this, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton is considered the founder of the parochial school system in the United States.

As we celebrate a Christmas weekday on January 5, our hearts are still warmed by the light of Christ's birth. The Gospel reading from John 1:43-51 offers a profound reflection on discovery and recognition, themes that are deeply relevant in the ongoing Christmas season.

St. John Neumann was born in Eastern Europe in 1811. He traveled to the United Stated in his mid-20s in order to do missionary work. At age 29 he joined the Redemptorist order. He continued to serve those in his community, especially the immigrants. Eventually he became the bishop of Philadelphia. There he organized the first diocesan school system in the United States. In addition to his contributions to establishing Catholic education, he was also known for his holiness and his spiritual writings.

In the gospel for a Christmas weekday on January 6, we hear of the humility of John the Baptist and the the baptism of Jesus.

The readings for the Feast of the Epiphany of Our Lord tell of the revelation of Jesus Christ to all people. discussion of what gifts we could bring to the service of the Lord is appropriate. Also, the international aspect of the three Kings speaks to our common humanity and issues such as racism and immigration. Here are some ideas for youth ministry, classroom use, or in the home.

The readings for the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord Year A give us reason to think about our own baptisms. Do we take our own baptisms for granted? Have we really thought about what this sacrament means in our lives?

In the Gospel for Tuesday of the 1st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, we encounter Jesus in the synagogue of Capernaum, teaching with an authority that astonishes His audience. This episode, occurring early in Mark's Gospel, sets the tone for Jesus' public ministry, illustrating not only His wisdom but His divine power.

In the Gospel reading for Wednesday of the 1st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, we encounter a vivid depiction of a day in the life of Jesus. It's a narrative bustling with activity, healing, and profound spiritual insight, unfolding in the town of Capernaum. As we delve into this passage from Mark 1:29-39, we find ourselves not merely observers of these events but invited to reflect deeply on their significance in our own lives.

On this Friday of the 1st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, we are invited to reflect deeply on the Gospel of Mark 2:1-12, where the actions of Jesus Christ reveal the profound intersections of faith, forgiveness, and healing. This narrative, enriched by the context of the First Reading from Hebrews and the Responsorial Psalm, offers us a tapestry of insights into the nature of our relationship with God.

In the Gospel reading for Saturday of the 1st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, we encounter a profound moment in Jesus' ministry - the calling of Levi, a tax collector. This episode, set against the backdrop of the penetrating nature of God's word and the wisdom of His law as highlighted in the first reading from Hebrews and the Psalm, offers a striking lesson about seeing beyond societal labels and recognizing the inherent dignity and potential in every person.

The Mass readings for the 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A inspire us to think about the call to holiness and the need to declare that Jesus has died for our redemption.

In the Gospel for Monday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, we find a profound message of renewal and transformation in the teachings of Jesus Christ. This message is beautifully intertwined with the themes of priesthood and empathy found in the other readings, creating a cohesive spiritual narrative that speaks to the heart of Christian life.

In the Gospel of Mark for Tuesday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, we encounter a profound teaching from Jesus that challenges traditional interpretations and prioritizes human need over ritual observance. As Jesus and His disciples pass through a grain field on the Sabbath, the disciples begin to pick grain, an act that draws criticism from the Pharisees. Jesus responds not with a direct defense of the act but by referencing an episode from the life of David, where he ate consecrated bread, an act ordinarily reserved for priests. Through this, Jesus illustrates a fundamental principle: the law was made to serve humanity, not the other way around.

In the Gospel reading for Wednesday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, from Mark 3:1-6, we encounter a profound moment in Jesus' ministry. This passage is not just a narrative of physical healing but also a powerful exploration of the tension between law and compassion, a theme that resonates deeply with the first reading from Hebrews and the responsorial Psalm.

Reflecting on the Gospel for Thursday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, we find ourselves beside the Sea of Galilee, in the midst of a scene bustling with energy, hope, and profound spiritual insight. Here, in Mark 3:7-12, we witness the extraordinary appeal of Jesus, a testament to the transformative power of His presence and teachings.

Reflecting on the readings for Friday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, we find ourselves at the heart of the Gospel narrative in Mark 3:13-19, where Jesus ascends a mountain and calls to Him those He desired. This scene is a pivotal moment in the ministry of Christ, as He appoints the Twelve Apostles, laying the foundation for the Church and its mission in the world.

Reflecting on the Gospel of Mark 3:20-21 for Saturday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, we encounter a deeply human moment in the life of Jesus. The scene unfolds with Jesus and His disciples entering a house, so besieged by crowds that they could not even eat. Amid this chaos, His relatives, likely out of concern and misunderstanding, decide to take Him away, fearing He is overwhelmed or not in His right mind. This narrative, while brief, is rich with implications and connections to the day's other readings.

St. Agnes of Rome was born in the year 291. Many eligible young men sought to marry her. But she saw herself as the spouse of Jesus. When she continued to resist, she was condemned to death and was martyred at the age of 13.

The readings for the 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A inspire us to understand that Jesus has saved us and we are called to spread that good news to others.

On Monday of the 3rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, we delve into Mark 3, where Jesus confronts the accusations of the scribes with wisdom and authority. This Gospel reading, in conjunction with the first reading from Hebrews 9 and Psalm 98, offers us a rich tapestry for reflection on the nature of Christ's mission, the dynamics of faith, and the power of understanding.

January 22 is is designated as the "Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children". It is a day of prayer and penance. When January 22 falls on a Sunday, this observance is moved to Monday.

On Tuesday of the 3rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, we encounter a profound moment in the Gospel of Mark (3:31-35) where Jesus redefines the very concept of family. This moment, though brief, encapsulates a fundamental teaching of Christ and echoes themes present in both the first reading from Hebrews (10:1-10) and the Responsorial Psalm (Psalm 40). Together, these readings invite us into a deeper understanding of what it means to be part of God's family.

January 25 is the Feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul. St. Paul's encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus converted him from a persecutor of Christians to a fully committed follower of Jesus.

January 26 is the feast day of Sts. Timothy and Titus. St. Timothy is the patron saint of stomach ailments.St. Titus is the patron saint of the United States Army Chaplain Corps.

In the Gospel reading for Friday of the 3rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, Jesus presents the Kingdom of God through the vivid imagery of a seed's growth and the parable of the mustard seed (Mark 4:26-34). These parables, rich in symbolism and depth, invite us to reflect on the mysterious and transformative nature of God's Kingdom. They teach us about the power of small beginnings and the profound impact of faith, resonating with themes from the day's other readingsendurance in faith from Hebrews 10:32-39, and trust in the Lord from Psalm 37.

St. Angela Merici is the founder of the Ursuline order of religious sisters. She is the patron saint ofthe sick, the disabled, and all those grieving the loss of parents. Her feast day is January 27.

St. Thomas Aquinas is a 13th century saint and a Doctor of the Church. St. Thomas was influenced by the philosopher Aristotle and was known to for his logical and reasoned approach to theology.

Reflecting on the readings for Saturday of the 3rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, we find a cohesive theme of faith and trust in God, even in the face of the unknown or seemingly impossible.

The readings for the 4th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A tell us we must seek the Lord. Consider if you are actively seeking God or if you are just waiting for something to happen.

In reflecting upon the Gospel reading for Monday of the 4th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, from Mark 5:1-20, we find a powerful narrative of transformation and liberation. This story of Jesus healing the Gerasene demoniac resonates deeply with the themes of faith, deliverance, and the impact of witnessing God's work, themes that are echoed in the day's other readings from Hebrews 11:32-40 and Psalm 31.

In the Gospel reading for Tuesday of the 4th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, we encounter two miraculous healings performed by Jesus, offering a profound insight into the nature of faith and Gods compassionate response to it. This narrative, set alongside the days other readings from Hebrews and Psalms, provides a multi-faceted reflection on faith's journey, its challenges, and its ultimate fulfillment in Christ.

St. John Bosco was a priest, educator, and founder of the Salesians, an order inspired by the example of St. Francis de Sales. His feast day is January 31. He devoted his life to educating disadvantaged youth and juvenile delinquents. He felt that love was more important in teaching than punishment. This method became known as the Salesian Preventative System. One of his students was St. Dominic Savio.