Mass Readings

First Reading – Heb 2:14-18

Since the children share in blood and Flesh, Jesus likewise shared in them, that through death He might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the Devil, and free those who through fear of death had been subject to slavery all their life. Surely He did not help angels but rather the descendants of Abraham; therefore, He had to become like His brothers and sisters in every way, that He might be a merciful and faithful high priest before God to expiate the sins of the people. Because He Himself was tested through what He suffered, He is able to help those who are being tested.

Responsorial Psalm – Ps 105:1-2, 3-4, 6-7, 8-9 (R. 8a)

R.The Lord remembers his covenant for ever.
or:
R.    Alleluia.

Give thanks to the LORD, invoke his name;
make known among the nations his deeds.
Sing to him, sing his praise,
proclaim all his wondrous deeds. R.

Glory in his holy name;
rejoice, O hearts that seek the LORD!
Look to the LORD in his strength;
seek to serve him constantly. R.

You descendants of Abraham, his servants,
sons of Jacob, his chosen ones!
He, the LORD, is our God;
throughout the earth his judgments prevail. R.

He remembers forever his covenant
which he made binding for a thousand generations–
Which he entered into with Abraham
and by his oath to Isaac. R.

Gospel – Mk 1:29-39

On leaving the synagogue Jesus entered the house of Simon and Andrew with James and John. Simon’s mother-in-law lay sick with a fever. They immediately told Him about her. He approached, grasped her hand, and helped her up. Then the fever left her and she waited on them. When it was evening, after sunset, they brought to Him all who were ill or possessed by demons. The whole town was gathered at the door. He cured many who were sick with various diseases, and He drove out many demons, not permitting them to speak because they knew Him. Rising very early before dawn, He left and went off to a deserted place, where He prayed. Simon and those who were with Him pursued Him and on finding Him said, “Everyone is looking for You.” He told them, “Let us go on to the nearby villages that I may preach there also. For this purpose have I come.” So He went into their synagogues, preaching and driving out demons throughout the whole of Galilee.

Featured Saints

St. Hyginus, Pope (†142). Eighth successor of St. Peter, he fought against the gnostic heresy and for the preservation of the authentic teaching of the Gospel.

St. Thomas of Cori, priest (†1729). Italian Franciscan priest, preacher and spiritual director. He carried out his apostolate in Subiaco and neighbouring dioceses.

St. Theodosius, monk (†529). After a long time spent in seclusion, he welcomed many disciples and established community life in the monasteries he built in Asia Minor.

Blessed Bernard Scammacca, priest (†1487). Born into a wealthy family in Catania, Italy, he was a dissolute youth, but was converted when wounded in a duel. He became a Dominican and led a penitential life.

Blessed Francis Rogaczewski, priest and martyr (†1940). Imprisoned, tortured and shot to death in Gdańsk, Poland for being Christian.

Blessed Anna Maria Janer Anglarill, virgin (†1885). Foundress of the Institute of the Sisters of the Holy Family of Urgell. She died in Talarn, Spain.

Blessed William Carter, martyr (†1584). He was imprisoned, tortured, hanged, drawn and quartered in London, during the reign of Elizabeth I, for having printed a treatise on schism in his print shop.