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Daily Readings
Weekly reading
Readings for the week of January 25, 2026
- Sunday: Is 8:23-9:3 / Ps 27:1, 4, 13-14 / 1 Cor 1:10-13, 17 / Mt 4:12-23 or 4:12-17
- Monday: 2 Tm 1:1-8 or Ti 1:1-5 (520) / Ps 89:20, 21-22, 25-26 / Mk 3:22-30
- Tuesday: 2 Sm 6:12b-15, 17-19 / Ps 24:7, 8, 9, 10 / Mk 3:31-35
- Wednesday: 2 Sm 7:4-17 / Ps 89:4-5, 27-28, 29-30 / Mk 4:1-20
- Thursday: 2 Sm 7:18-19, 24-29 / Ps 132:1-2, 3-5, 11, 12, 13-14 / Mk 4:21-25
- Friday: 2 Sm 11:1-4a, 5-10a, 13-17 / Ps 51:3-4, 5-6a, 6bcd-7, 10-11 / Mk 4:26-34
- Saturday: 2 Sm 12:1-7a, 10-17 / Ps 51:12-13, 14-15, 16-17 / Mk 4:35-41
- Next Sunday: Zep 2:3; 3:12-13 / Ps 146:6c-7, 8-9a, 9b-10 / 1 Cor 1:26-31 / Mt 5:1-12a
Pastor Message and Prayer
1/25
God insists on justice
READ MALACHI, CHAPTER 2, VERSE 17 TO CHAPTER 3, VERSE 5
The author of the Book of Malachi was an anonymous prophet active in the period after exile. Because of his strong crticism of the priest and rulers of the people, he concealed his identity by making a proper name out of the Hebrew expression for "my messenger" (Malachi). The prophet was keenly aware of the injustices around him. The worker was defrauded of his wages; widows and orphans were denied their rights; the stranger was turned away without hospitality (Malachi 3:5). The people of Malachi's time were wondering "Where is the God of justice?" (Malachi 2:17). Malachi provided and answer. God will send a messenger to prepare the way of the Lord. God will suddenly come to the temple and will purify the people from their iniquities, so that they might become an offering to God in righteousness (Malachi 3:1-3). The gospels saw in this messenger announced by Malachi an anticipation of John the Baptist who prepared the way for Christ (Matthew 11:10; Mark 1:2).
"See, I am sending my messenger to prepare the way before me."
MALACHI3:1
As in so many other oracles used by the evangelists, this passage associates Jesus' ministry with God's justice in our world. The gospel writers continually surround Jesus with the poor and marginalized. He announces the kingdom to sinners and tax collectors. Paul describes the victory of Christ in terms of justice. Christ aim is to destroy all the powers of evil and establish a kingdom in which God is all in all (1Corinthians 15:24-28). The New Testament provides its own answer to Malachi's question. The justice of God is to be found in the work of Christ.
In what areas of our world do I see the need for God's justice?
Prayer Starter: Faithful God, I am well aware of how much in our world is not right. You know what things are wrong; help me to work against them.
Fr. Joachim
St. Mary Mass Times
Saturday 6:00pm
Sunday 8:30am
Daily Mass Times
Wednesday 8:30am
Wednesday: Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament 9am-9:30am
Friday 8:30am
First Friday 8:30am Healing Mass and Adoration
Confession Times
Saturday from 5:30-5:50 or
by appointment by calling the Rectory at 815-858-3422
St. Mary Office Hours
Wednesday 8:30 am- 3:30 p.m.. by appointment
Thursday 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
