JANUARY 17-23: FEASTS AND READINGS

JANUARY 17 Mon Saint Anthony, Abbot Memorial 1 Sm 15:16-23/Mk 2:18-22 

18 Tue Weekday 1 Sm 16:1-13/Mk 2:23-28 

19 Wed Weekday 1 Sm 17:32-33, 37, 40-51/Mk 3:1-6 

20 Thu Weekday[St Fabian; St Sebastian] 1 Sm 18:6-9; 19:1-7/Mk 3:7-12 

21 Fri Saint Agnes, Virgin and Martyr Memorial1 Sm 24:3-21/Mk 3:13-19 

22 Sat USA: Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children

2 Sm 1:1-4, 11-12, 19, 23-27/Mk 3:20-21)

23 SUN THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

Neh 8:2-4a, 5-6, 8-10/1 Cor 12:12-30 or 12:12-14, 27/Lk 1:1-4; 4:14-21 

The readings from Mark this week show growing opposition to Jesus as local officials,  scribes from Jerusalem, officials from Herod Antipas and even his own family oppose him. After an enthusiastic beginning of his ministry, Jesus faces the mystery of the Cross.

The Old Testament readings from the Book of Samuel speak of the rivalry between Saul and David. 

The feast of Anthony of Egypt, a key figure in monasticism, is celebrated on Monday. St. Agnes, an early Roman martyr, is remembered on Friday.