SATURDAY OF THE FIRST WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME JANUARY 15, 2022

MASS READINGS

A reading of the holy Gospel according to 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.”

REFLECTION

“Follow me.”

When the Israelites demanded a king so that they would be like the other nations, they openly were rebelling against God. The people, in spite of Samuel telling them how wrong they were, demanded to take this route. They refused to follow the will of the Father. And Saul stumbles into the story while looking for the asses. And becomes king.

It is very good to study Scripture. It is left for us by Jesus to follow His fragrance, His example and to learn from Him. “Follow me”, Jesus continues to say. The true King will show us the way.

Good vs bad has been in the Bible from the beginning. We are told over and over, about the battle against the flesh, the world and the devil. Are we left alone to battle? Does our reasoning really tell us that we can do the good fight without any training, any instruction or any leadership?

As we struggle daily with the enemy of our souls and the souls of our family, Scripture shows us the way to recognize, resist and overcome the enemy's attack. Attend daily Mass, pray without ceasing, offer sacrifices of praise, daily adoration, works of charity, frequent confession, Holy Communion and associating with kindred spirits are a few of our weapons and armor. Our leader is Jesus Christ to combat and deliver us from evil.

Thought for the Day: Are you ready for spiritual warfare? Pick up the bible, study it with the help of a priest who is " in persona Christi Capitis in ecclesiae --in the person of Christ, the Head in the Church". PAPA offers a great opportunity to not only understand the history of our Faith, but also grow in the knowledge of God. Join our FACE ZBS, (Bible study with Father Michael) weekly on Wednesdays.

God Bless You

papa@papamio.org