Saturday of the 1st Week in Ordinary Time
Mass Readings
First Reading – Heb 4:12-16
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. No creature is concealed from Him, but everything is naked and exposed to the eyes of Him to whom we must render an account. Since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast to our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has similarly been tested in every way, yet without sin. So let us confidently approach the throne of grace to receive mercy and to find grace for timely help.
Responsorial Psalm – Ps 19:8, 9, 10, 15 (R. see John 6:63c)
R. Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life.
The law of the LORD is perfect,
refreshing the soul;
The decree of the LORD is trustworthy,
giving wisdom to the simple. R.
The precepts of the LORD are right,
rejoicing the heart;
The command of the LORD is clear,
enlightening the eye. R.
The fear of the LORD is pure,
enduring forever;
The ordinances of the LORD are true,
all of them just. R.
Let the words of my mouth and the thought of my heart
find favor before You,
O LORD, my rock and my redeemer. R.
Gospel – Mk 2:13-17
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.”
Featured Saints
Blessed Alfonsa Clerici, virgin (†1930). Religious from the Congregation of the Sisters of the Most Precious Blood, she dedicated her life to the formation of youth in Vercelli, near Milan, Italy.
St. Felix of Nola, priest (†third/ fourth century). After undergoing toruture in prison, he returned to Nola, Italy, dying as an invincible confessor of the Faith.
St. Fulgentius of Écija, bishop (†circa 632). Brother of St. Leander, St. Isidore and St. Florentina. He governed the Diocese of Écija, Spain for close to twenty years.
St. Nino (†fourth century). Taken as a slave to present-day Georgia, she won the respect of the pagans through her holiness. She brought the king, queen and several members of the court to the Faith of Christ.
Blessed Odo of Novara, priest (†1200). Prior of the Carthusianmonastery of Geyrach, Slavonia, he led his community with wisdom and piety. Because of the envy of his enemies he renounced his priorship and served as chaplain of the Benedictine religious of Tagliacozzo, Italy.
Blessed Odoric Mattiuzzi of Pordenone, priest (†1331). Franciscan missionary, he traversed several countries of the Far East for thirty-three years, winning innumerable souls for Christ.
Blessed Peter Donders, priest (†1887). Dutch Redemptorist religious who evangelized among lepers in Dutch Guiana (Suriname) for 45 years.
Blessed Devasahayam (Lazarus) Pillai, father of family and martyr (†1752). He was killed in Aral Kurusady, India, for having converted to the Catholic Faith.
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