Churches of the Day
Pictorial Thought for Today
Jan 24 - St Francis de Sales (1567-1622) bishop and doctor
Summary: St Francis de Sales, bishop, Doctor of the Church.
Born in Savoy (France) in 1567; died in Lyons in 1622. As a presbyter and as bishop of Geneva, he played a major part in the renewal of 17th-century French Catholicism. Seen by many as an early proponent of ecumenical dialogue. His writings promoted a spirituality for laypeople. Honoured as a most influential preacher, writer, and spiritual director, who combined firmness with patience and gentleness.
Patrick Duffy traces his life.
St Francis de Sales lived in the troubled times that followed the Protestant Reformation. He was an influential bishop, spiritual director, author and preacher.
Early Family Life
Francis was the first of twelve children born into a Savoyard noble family, near Annecy in Savoy. A delicate child, he was educated privately at first, but later went to Paris. His father wanted him to become a lawyer. Francis studied rhetoric, philosophy and theology. From there he went on to Padua where he became a doctor of law. Already he had decided to become a priest and was probably still in a state of tension with his father when he was ordained in 1593.
Preaching Campaign and Service of the Poor
Since the Reformation, the seat of the Catholic diocese of Geneva had been moved to Annecy. The bishop of Geneva, Claude de Garnier, appointed Francis provost of the cathedral chapter. Francis soon distinguished himself for his service of the poor. In a preaching campaign throughout the Chablais area south of Lake Geneva he succeeded in winning back many Calvinists to Catholicism. He also wrote and distributed a series of pamphlets explaining true Catholic doctrine.
Co-adjutor Bishop of Geneva
Francis was made coadjutor bishop in 1599 and travelled to Rome where he made friends with Robert Bellarmine and Cardinal Camillo Borghese who later became Pope Paul V. In 1602 after the diocesan bishop died, Francis succeeded to Geneva.
Visits: Paris
Francis preached during Lent in Paris at the court of King Henry IV, Henry of Navarre. Though a Protestant, Henry sought to bring peace and freedom to France. In 1598 Henry enacted the Edict of Nantes guaranteeing religious freedom to Protestants. Henry is said to have offered Francis a bishopric if he would stay in Paris. Francis replied: "Sir, I have married a poor wife and I cannot desert her for a rich one".
Jane Frances de Chantal, founding the Visitation sisters
While preaching in Dijon Francis noticed a widow Baroness Jane Frances de Chantal listening very attentively to his sermon and spoke to her. Jane wanted Francis to be her spiritual director. At first, he was hesitant. Jane was on a path to mystical union with God and, in directing her, Francis was compelled to follow her and become a mystic himself.
Through a number of coincidences they were given a building in Annecy and were able in 1610 to found the community of Visitation Sisters, whose most striking characteristics were not difficult penances, but moderation and common sense.
Spirituality for the Laity
At that time, the prevailing idea was that holiness was only for priests, monks and nuns and not for ordinary people. Francis changed this by giving spiritual direction to lay people living ordinary lives in the world. He knew from his own experience that people who live a very active life can also grow in holiness.
Writings and spirituality
Two of Francis's books, The Introduction to the Devout Life and the Treatise on the Love of God, became best sellers among the laity. He believed that the key to love of God is prayer: "By turning your eyes on God in meditation, your whole soul will be filled with God. Begin all your prayers in the presence of God." For busy people of the world, he advised: "Retire at various times into the solitude of your own heart, even while outwardly engaged in discussions or transactions with others and talk to God."
The test of prayer is a person's actions: "To be an angel in prayer and a beast in one's relations with people is to go lame on both legs." The worst sins, he believed, are gossip and making judgements: even if we think we do them out of love, we're actually doing them to make ourselves look better. And we should be as gentle and forgiving with ourselves just as we ought to be with others.
Favourite sayings
Among Francis de Sales' favourite sayings were:
"More flies are attracted by a spoonful of honey than by a whole barrel of vinegar".
"Have patience with all things, but chiefly have patience with yourself."
"Nothing is so strong as gentleness; nothing so gentle as real strength."
Patron of Journalists and Communicators
Because of his writings and his idea of distributing of pamphlets, Francis de Sales is the patron saint of journalists. Every year since 1967, on his feast day, the Pope issues a Message in preparation for Communications Sunday, the Sunday of the Ascension.
Born in Savoy (France) in 1567; died in Lyons in 1622. As a presbyter and as bishop of Geneva, he played a major part in the renewal of 17th-century French Catholicism. Seen by many as an early proponent of ecumenical dialogue. His writings promoted a spirituality for laypeople. Honoured as a most influential preacher, writer, and spiritual director, who combined firmness with patience and gentleness.
Patrick Duffy traces his life.
St Francis de Sales lived in the troubled times that followed the Protestant Reformation. He was an influential bishop, spiritual director, author and preacher.Early Family Life
Francis was the first of twelve children born into a Savoyard noble family, near Annecy in Savoy. A delicate child, he was educated privately at first, but later went to Paris. His father wanted him to become a lawyer. Francis studied rhetoric, philosophy and theology. From there he went on to Padua where he became a doctor of law. Already he had decided to become a priest and was probably still in a state of tension with his father when he was ordained in 1593.
Preaching Campaign and Service of the Poor
Since the Reformation, the seat of the Catholic diocese of Geneva had been moved to Annecy. The bishop of Geneva, Claude de Garnier, appointed Francis provost of the cathedral chapter. Francis soon distinguished himself for his service of the poor. In a preaching campaign throughout the Chablais area south of Lake Geneva he succeeded in winning back many Calvinists to Catholicism. He also wrote and distributed a series of pamphlets explaining true Catholic doctrine.
Co-adjutor Bishop of Geneva
Francis was made coadjutor bishop in 1599 and travelled to Rome where he made friends with Robert Bellarmine and Cardinal Camillo Borghese who later became Pope Paul V. In 1602 after the diocesan bishop died, Francis succeeded to Geneva.
Visits: Paris
Francis preached during Lent in Paris at the court of King Henry IV, Henry of Navarre. Though a Protestant, Henry sought to bring peace and freedom to France. In 1598 Henry enacted the Edict of Nantes guaranteeing religious freedom to Protestants. Henry is said to have offered Francis a bishopric if he would stay in Paris. Francis replied: "Sir, I have married a poor wife and I cannot desert her for a rich one".
Jane Frances de Chantal, founding the Visitation sistersWhile preaching in Dijon Francis noticed a widow Baroness Jane Frances de Chantal listening very attentively to his sermon and spoke to her. Jane wanted Francis to be her spiritual director. At first, he was hesitant. Jane was on a path to mystical union with God and, in directing her, Francis was compelled to follow her and become a mystic himself.
Through a number of coincidences they were given a building in Annecy and were able in 1610 to found the community of Visitation Sisters, whose most striking characteristics were not difficult penances, but moderation and common sense.
Spirituality for the Laity
At that time, the prevailing idea was that holiness was only for priests, monks and nuns and not for ordinary people. Francis changed this by giving spiritual direction to lay people living ordinary lives in the world. He knew from his own experience that people who live a very active life can also grow in holiness.
Writings and spirituality
Two of Francis's books, The Introduction to the Devout Life and the Treatise on the Love of God, became best sellers among the laity. He believed that the key to love of God is prayer: "By turning your eyes on God in meditation, your whole soul will be filled with God. Begin all your prayers in the presence of God." For busy people of the world, he advised: "Retire at various times into the solitude of your own heart, even while outwardly engaged in discussions or transactions with others and talk to God."
The test of prayer is a person's actions: "To be an angel in prayer and a beast in one's relations with people is to go lame on both legs." The worst sins, he believed, are gossip and making judgements: even if we think we do them out of love, we're actually doing them to make ourselves look better. And we should be as gentle and forgiving with ourselves just as we ought to be with others.
Favourite sayingsAmong Francis de Sales' favourite sayings were:
"More flies are attracted by a spoonful of honey than by a whole barrel of vinegar".
"Have patience with all things, but chiefly have patience with yourself."
"Nothing is so strong as gentleness; nothing so gentle as real strength."
Patron of Journalists and Communicators
Because of his writings and his idea of distributing of pamphlets, Francis de Sales is the patron saint of journalists. Every year since 1967, on his feast day, the Pope issues a Message in preparation for Communications Sunday, the Sunday of the Ascension.
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Memorable Proverb for today
"Have patience with all things, but chiefly have patience with yourself."
"Nothing is so strong as gentleness; nothing so gentle as real strength."
~St Francis de Sales ~
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Liturgical Readings for: Saturday, 24th January, 2026
Saturday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time, Year 2
Saint of the Day: Jan 24 ; St Francis de Sales, bishop and doctor of the Church
C/f short history of today’s saints can be found below today’s Readings and Reflection
FIRST READING
A reading from the second book of Samuel. 1: 1-4, 11-12, 17, 23-27
How did the heroes fall in the thick of the battle.
David returned from his rout of the Amalekites and spent two days in Ziklag. On the third day a man came from the camp where Saul had been, his garments torn and earth on his head. When he came to David, he fell to the ground and did homage.
'Where do you come from?' David asked him.
'I have escaped from the Israelite camp' he said.
David said to him, 'What happened? Tell me.'
He replied, 'The people have fled from the battlefield and many of them have fallen. Saul and his son Jonathan are dead too.'
Then David took hold of his garments and tore them, and all the men with him did the same. They mourned and wept and fasted until the evening for Saul and his son Jonathan, for the people of the Lord and for the House of Israel, because they had fallen by the sword. Then David made this lament over Saul and his son Jonathan:
Alas, the glory of Israel has been slain on your heights!
How did the heroes fall? Saul and Jonathan, loved and lovely, neither in life, nor in death, were divided.
Swifter than eagles were they, stronger were they than lions.
O daughters of Israel, weep for Saul who clothed you in scarlet and fine linen,
who set brooches of gold on your garments. How did the heroes fall in the thick of the battle?
O Jonathan, in your death I am stricken, I am desolate for you, Jonathan my brother.
Very dear to me you were, your love to me more wonderful than the love of a woman.
How did the heroes fall and the battle armour fail?
The Word of the Lord Thanks be to God.
Responsorial Psalm Ps 79: 2-3, 5-7. R/v 4
Response Let your face shine on us, 0 Lord, and we shall be saved.
1. O shepherd of Israel, hear us, you who lead Joseph's flock,
shine forth from your cherubim throne upon Ephraim, Benjamin, Manasseh.
O Lord, rouse up your might, O Lord, come to our help. Response
2. Lord God of hosts, how long will you frown on your people's plea?
you have fed them with tears for their bread, an abundance of tears for their drink.
You have made us the taunt of our neighbours, our enemies laugh us to scorn. Response
Gospel Acclamation 2 Cor 5: 19
Alleluia, alleluia!
God in Christ was reconciling the world to himself,
and he has entrusted to us the news that they are reconciled.
Alleluia!
or Acts 16: 14
Alleluia, alleluia!
Open our heart, O Lord, to accept the words of your Son.
Alleluia!
GOSPEL
The Lord be with you. And with your spirit
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark 3:20-21 Glory to you, O Lord.
His relatives said he was out of his mind.
Jesus went home again, and once more such a crowd collected that they could not even have a meal.
When his relatives heard of this, they set out to take charge of him, convinced he was out of his mind.
The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
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Gospel Reflection Saturday Second Week in Ordinary Time Mark 3:20-21
Today’s very short gospel reading from Mark suggests that Jesus was misunderstood by his own family. They had come to hear that so many people were coming to Jesus for help that he and his disciples had no time even to eat. They concluded that Jesus must be 'out of his mind' and they wanted to take him back to Nazareth, back home, for his own good. Jesus’ family meant well, but they completely misinterpreted Jesus.
Having set out on his mission of bringing God’s merciful and healing love to all, Jesus was never going to return to Nazareth and live the hidden life he had lived before he left there. There are misunderstandings in every family. A member of a family can set out on a path that just makes no sense to other family members. Jesus’ family was no different to most human families. The members of Jesus’ family had to learn to let him go to God’s purpose for his life, even if it made little sense to them. We often have to let go of those we care about, even if the path they are taking is very concerning to us. We sometimes just have to let them be.
The members of Jesus’ family were trying to control him, but we cannot control Jesus. Our calling is to surrender to Jesus and to try and go where he is leading us. Jesus once said, ‘the Spirit blows where it wills’. What is true of the Holy Spirit is true of Jesus who is full of the Holy Spirit. Far from trying to control Jesus, we invite him to control us, in the sense of becoming Lord of our lives. When Jesus becomes Lord of our lives, we don’t lose our freedom. Rather, we become truly free, free to live in the fully human way for which God has created us.
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The Scripture Readings are taken from The Jerusalem Bible, published by Darton, Longman and Todd Ltd and used with the permission of the publishers. http://dltbooks.com/
The Scripture Reflection is made available with our thanks from his book Reflections on the Weekday Readings : The Word is near to you, on your lips and in your heart by Martin Hogan and published by Messenger Publications c/f www.messenger.ie/bookshop/
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Saint of the Day: Jan 24 ; St Francis de Sales, bishop and doctor of the Church
Born in Savoy (France) in 1567; died in Lyons in 1622. As a presbyter and as bishop of Geneva, he played a major part in the renewal of 17th-century French Catholicism. Seen by many as an early proponent of ecumenical dialogue. His writings promoted a spirituality for laypeople. Honoured as a most influential preacher, writer, and spiritual director, who combined firmness with patience and gentleness.
Patrick Duffy traces his life.
St Francis de Sales lived in the troubled times that followed the Protestant Reformation. He was an influential bishop, spiritual director, author and preacher.Early Family Life
Francis was the first of twelve children born into a Savoyard noble family, near Annecy in Savoy. A delicate child, he was educated privately at first, but later went to Paris. His father wanted him to become a lawyer. Francis studied rhetoric, philosophy and theology. From there he went on to Padua where he became a doctor of law. Already he had decided to become a priest and was probably still in a state of tension with his father when he was ordained in 1593.
Preaching Campaign and Service of the Poor
Since the Reformation, the seat of the Catholic diocese of Geneva had been moved to Annecy. The bishop of Geneva, Claude de Garnier, appointed Francis provost of the cathedral chapter. Francis soon distinguished himself for his service of the poor. In a preaching campaign throughout the Chablais area south of Lake Geneva he succeeded in winning back many Calvinists to Catholicism. He also wrote and distributed a series of pamphlets explaining true Catholic doctrine.
Co-adjutor Bishop of Geneva
Francis was made coadjutor bishop in 1599 and travelled to Rome where he made friends with Robert Bellarmine and Cardinal Camillo Borghese who later became Pope Paul V. In 1602 after the diocesan bishop died, Francis succeeded to Geneva.
Visits: Paris
Francis preached during Lent in Paris at the court of King Henry IV, Henry of Navarre. Though a Protestant, Henry sought to bring peace and freedom to France. In 1598 Henry enacted the Edict of Nantes guaranteeing religious freedom to Protestants. Henry is said to have offered Francis a bishopric if he would stay in Paris. Francis replied: "Sir, I have married a poor wife and I cannot desert her for a rich one".
Jane Frances de Chantal, founding the Visitation sistersWhile preaching in Dijon Francis noticed a widow Baroness Jane Frances de Chantal listening very attentively to his sermon and spoke to her. Jane wanted Francis to be her spiritual director. At first, he was hesitant. Jane was on a path to mystical union with God and, in directing her, Francis was compelled to follow her and become a mystic himself.
Through a number of coincidences they were given a building in Annecy and were able in 1610 to found the community of Visitation Sisters, whose most striking characteristics were not difficult penances, but moderation and common sense.
Spirituality for the Laity
At that time, the prevailing idea was that holiness was only for priests, monks and nuns and not for ordinary people. Francis changed this by giving spiritual direction to lay people living ordinary lives in the world. He knew from his own experience that people who live a very active life can also grow in holiness.
Writings and spirituality
Two of Francis's books, The Introduction to the Devout Life and the Treatise on the Love of God, became best sellers among the laity. He believed that the key to love of God is prayer: "By turning your eyes on God in meditation, your whole soul will be filled with God. Begin all your prayers in the presence of God." For busy people of the world, he advised: "Retire at various times into the solitude of your own heart, even while outwardly engaged in discussions or transactions with others and talk to God."
The test of prayer is a person's actions: "To be an angel in prayer and a beast in one's relations with people is to go lame on both legs." The worst sins, he believed, are gossip and making judgements: even if we think we do them out of love, we're actually doing them to make ourselves look better. And we should be as gentle and forgiving with ourselves just as we ought to be with others.
Favourite sayingsAmong Francis de Sales' favourite sayings were:
"More flies are attracted by a spoonful of honey than by a whole barrel of vinegar".
"Have patience with all things, but chiefly have patience with yourself."
"Nothing is so strong as gentleness; nothing so gentle as real strength."
Patron of Journalists and Communicators
Because of his writings and his idea of distributing of pamphlets, Francis de Sales is the patron saint of journalists. Every year since 1967, on his feast day, the Pope issues a Message in preparation for Communications Sunday, the Sunday of the Ascension.
______________________
******************************
Memorable Proverb for today
"Have patience with all things, but chiefly have patience with yourself."
"Nothing is so strong as gentleness; nothing so gentle as real strength."
~St Francis de Sales ~
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Liturgical Readings for: Saturday, 24th January, 2026
CÉAD LÉACHT
Sliocht as an dara leabhar Samúéil. 1:1-4, 11-12,17, 19, 23-27
Conas a d’éag na gaiscígh i lár an chatha?
Nuair a bhí Sól tar éis bháis, d’fhill Dáiví ó ár na nAmailéiceach agus chaith dhá lá i Zicleag. Ar an treas lá tháinig fear ón gcampa a bhí ag Sól. Bhí a chuid éadaigh stróicthe agus cré ar a cheann. Ar theacht chuig Dáiví dhó, chaith sé é féin os a chomhair agus thug ómós dó. “Cá has ar tháinig tú?”
d’fhiafraigh Dáiví de.
D’éalaigh mé as campa na nIosraelach,” ar sé.
“Cad a tharla? Inis dom,” arsa Dáiví leis.
D’fhreagair sé:
“Theith na daoine ó pháirc an áir agus thit a lán acu agus tá siad marbh.
Tá Sól agus a mhac Iónátán marbh chomh maith.”
Ansin rug Dáiví ar a chuid éadaigh agus stróic sé iad. Na fir go léir a bhí ina chuideachta, rinne siad an rud céanna. Bhí siad ag caoineadh agus ag mairgnigh agus ag déanamh troscaidh go tráthnóna mar gheall ar Shól agus a mhac Iónátán, mar gheall ar phobal an Tiarna agus ar theaghlach Iosrael agus an bás le claíomh a imríodh ortha
Ansin chaoin Dáiví Sól agus a mhac Iónátán leis an gcaoineadh seo leanas.
“Uchón, tá glóir Iosrael ar lár ar d’ardáin!
Cad é mar a d’éag na gaiscígh! Sól agus Iónátán an chumainn agus na scéimhe!Níor scaradh ó chéile iad beo ná marbh!
Ba mhire iad ná na hiolair. Ba láidre ná na leoin.
A iníonacha Iosrael caoinigí Sól,
A ghléas sibh go caithiseach le héadaí craoraga,
A chuir dealga óirAr bhur bhfeisteas. Conas a d’éag na gaiscíghi lár an chatha?
A Iónátán, is é do bhás a chloígh mé!
Tá mé caillte i do dhiaidh, a Iónátán, a dheartháirín ó.
Ba thú mo lao is m’ansacht. Ba ghile liom do ghrá ná grá leannáin.
Conas a d’éag na gaiscígh? Conas a theip an trealamh catha?”
Briathar an Tiarna Buíochas le Dia
Salm le Freagra Sm 79: 2-3, 5-7 R/v 4
Freagra Taispeáin dúinn do ghnúis ghrianmhar, Agus slánaigh sinn, a Thiarna.
1. Éist linn, a aoire Iosrael, a sheolann Iósaef mar thréad.
I do shuí ar na ceiribíní duit bí ag taitneamh ar Eafráim agus Biniáimin agus Manaise.
Corraigh do chumhacht, a Thiarna; a Thiarna, tar chugainn dár sábháil. Freagra
2. A Dhia na slua, cá fhad a bheidh tú ar buile, ar a shon go bhfuil do phobal ag guí?
Bheathaigh tú iad le harán na ndeor; agus thug tú flúirse deor dóibh le hól.
Rinne tú ceap magaidh dínn dár gcomharsana;
agus bíonn ár naimhde ag fonóid fúinn eatarthu féin. Freagra
SOISCÉAL
Go raibh an Tiarna libh. Agus le do spiorad féin
Sliocht as Soiscéal naofa de réir Naomh Marcas Marc 3: 20-21 Glóir duit, a Thiarna
Bhí a mhuintir ag rá: “As a mheabhair atá sé.”
Chuaigh Íosa isteach agus tháinig an slua le chéile arís sa chaoi nár fhéad siad fiú amháin béile a ithe.
Agus nuair a fuair a mhuintir scéala air, ghabh siad amach d’fhonn breith air, mar bhí siad ag rá: “As a mheabhair atá sé.”
Soiscéal an Tiarna. Moladh duit, a Chriost
AN BÍOBLA NAOFA
© An Sagart
Liturgical Readings for: Sunday, 25th January, 2026
- 25th Jan 2026 -
Third Sunday of Ordinary Time: Year A ; St Matthew
Sunday of the Word of God
Catholic Schools Week begins today.
The semi-continuous reading of St Matthew's Gospel begins this Sunday and deals with the call of the first disciples by Jesus. The scriptures are fulfilled in the person and work of Jesus. His call to repentance is urgent because the Kingdom of heaven is close at hand.
FIRST READING
A reading from the book of the Prophet Isaiah 8:23-9:3
In Galilee of the nations the people have seen a great light.
In days past he humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in days to come he will confer glory on the Way of the Sea on the far side of Jordan, province of the nations.
The people that walked in darkness has seen a great light; on those who live in a land of deep shadow a light has shone.
You have made their gladness greater, you have made their joy increase; they rejoice in your presence as men rejoice at harvest time, as men are happy when they are dividing the spoils.
For the yoke that was weighing on him, the bar across his shoulders,
the rod of his oppressor, these you break as on the day of Midian.
The Word of the Lord Thanks be to God
Responsorial Psalm Ps 26:1, 4, 13-14. R/v 1
Response The Lord is my light and my help.
1. The Lord is my light and my help; whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life; before whom shall I shrink? Response
2. There is one thing I ask of the Lord, for this I long,
to live in the house of the Lord, all the days of my life,
to savour the sweetness of the Lord, to behold his temple. Response
3. I am sure I shall see the Lord's goodness in the land of the living.
Hope in him, hold firm and take heart. Hope in the Lord! Response
SECOND READING
A reading from the first letter of St Paul to Corinthians 1:10-13. 17
Make up the difference between you instead of disagreeing among yourselves.
I appeal to you, brothers, for the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ, to make up the differences between you, and instead of disagreeing among yourselves, to be united again in your belief and practice. From what Chloe's people have been telling me, my dear brothers, it is clear that there are serious differences among you. What I mean are all these slogans that you have, like: 'I am for Paul,' 'I am for Apollos,' 'I am for Cephas,' 'I am for Christ'. Has Christ been parcelled out? Was it Paul that was crucified for you? Were you baptised in the name of Paul?
For Christ did not send me to baptise, but to preach the Good News, and not to preach that in the terms of philosophy in which the crucifixion of Christ cannot be expressed.
The Word of the Lord Thanks be to God
Gospel Acclamation Mt 4:23
Alleluia, alleluia!
Jesus proclaimed the Good News of the kingdom,
and cured all kinds of sickness among the people.
Alleluia!
or Jn 1:14
Alleluia, alleluia!
Blessings on the King who comes, in the name of the Lord!
Peace in heaven and glory in the highest heavens!
Alleluia!
GOSPEL
The Lord be with you. And with your spirit
A reading from the Gospel according to Matthew 4:12-23 Glory to you, O Lord
Jesus went and settled in Capernaum: in this way the prophecy of Isaiah was fulfilled.
Hearing that John had been arrested Jesus went back to Galilee, and leaving Nazareth he went and settled in Capernaum, a lakeside town on the borders of Zebulun and Naphtali. In this way the prophecy of Isaiah was to be fulfilled: 'Land of Zebulun! Land of Naphtali! Way of the Sea on the far side of Jordan, Galilee of the nations! The people that lived in darkness has seen a great light; on those who dwell in the land and shadow of death a light has dawned.'
From that moment Jesus began his preaching with the message,
'Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is close at hand.'
As he was walking by the Sea of Galilee he saw two brothers, Simon, who was called Peter, and his brother Andrew; they were making a cast in the lake with their net, for they were fishermen. And he said to them, 'Follow me and I will make you fishers of men.' And they left their nets at once and followed him. Going on from there he saw another pair of brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John; they were in their boat with their father Zebedee, mending their nets, and he called them. At once, leaving the boat and their father, they followed him.
Going on from there he saw another pair of brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John; they were in their boat with their father Zebedee, mending their nets, and he called them. At once leaving the boat and their father, they followed him.
He went round the whole of Galilee teaching in their synagogue proclaiming the Good News of the kingdom and curing all kinds diseases and sickness among the people.
The Gospel of the Lord Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ
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Shorter form of the GOSPEL
A reading from the Gospel according to Matthew 4:12-23
Theme: Jesus went and settled in Capernaum: in this way the prophecy of Isaiah was fulfilled
Hearing that John had been arrested Jesus went back to Galilee,
and leaving Nazareth he went and settled in Capernaum, a lakeside town on the borders of Zebulun and Naphtali. In this way the prophecy of Isaiah was to be fulfilled:'Land of Zebulun! Land of Naphtali! Way of the sea on the far side of Jordan, Galilee of the nations! The people that lived in darkness has seen a great light; on those who dwell in the land and shadow of death a light has dawned.'
From that moment Jesus began his preaching with the message, 'Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is close at hand'.
The Gospel of the Lord Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ
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The scripture readings are taken from THE JERUSALEM BIBLE, published by Darton, Longman and Todd Ltd and used with permission of the publishers.
For homily resources for this Sunday's Gospel click here: https://www.catholicireland.net/sunday-homily/
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Liturgical Readings for: Sunday, 25th January, 2026
CÉAD LÉACHTSliocht as an Leabhar Íseáia, fáidh 8:23-9:3
I nGailíl na gciníocha chonaic an pobal solas mór.
San am atá thart thug sé béim síos do thír Zabúlun agus do thír Naftáilí, ach san amatá ag teacht ardóidh sé bealach na farraige, an taobh thall den Iordáin, Gailíl nagciníocha.
An pobal a bhí ag siúl sa dorchadas, chonaic siad solas mór;agus ar mhuintir na tíre gruama tá solas ag lonrú.
Chuir tú go mór lena n-áthas, mheadaigh tú ar a lúcháir;
tá siad ag déanamh gairdis os do chomhair,
mar a dhéanann in aimsir an fhómhair,
amhail an gairdeas lena roinntear an chreach.
Óir an chuing a bhí anuas orthu, an choirb ar a nguaillí,
agus slat an aintiarna, déanann tú smionagar díobh mar a rinne tú lá Midian
Briathar an Tiarna Buíochas le Dia
Salm le Freagra Sm 26; 1, 4, 13-14. R/v 1
Freagra Is é an Tiarna mo sholas is mo shlánú.
1. Is é an Tiarna mo sholas is mo shlánú.: cé a chuirfidh eagla orm?
Is é an Tiarna dúnáras me bheatha: cé a chuirfidh ar crith me? Freagra
2. Aon ní amhain a iarraim ar an Tiarna, eilím é seo:
bheith i mo chónaí i dteach an Tiarna fad a bheidh mé beo,
chun go mblaisfinn aoibhneas an Tiarna agus go bhfeicfinn a theampall. Freagra
3. Creidim go bhfeicfidh mé maitheas an Tiarna, i dtír na mbeo.
Fan leis an Tiarna; bí cróga; bíodh do chroí go tréan is fan leis an Tiarna. Freagra
DARA LÉACHT
Sliocht as céad Litir Naomh Pól chuig na Coirintigh 1:10-13. 17
Impím oraibh, a bhráithre, in ainm ár dTiarna Íosa Críost, sibh go léir a bheith ar aon fhocal agus gan aon siosmaí a bheith eadraibh, ach sibh a bheith dlúite le chéile ar aon aigne agus ar aon intinn. Mar tá sé curtha ar mo shúile dom ag muintir Chlóé, a bhráithre, go mbíonn sibh in achrann le chéile. Is é atá i gceist agam go mbíonn gach duine agaibh á rá:
“leanaimse Pól,” nó “leanaimse Apollós,” nó “leanaimse Céafas,” nó “leanaimse Críost.”
An amhlaidh atá Críost roinnte ina choda? An é Pól a céasadh ar an gcrois ar bhur son?
An in ainm Phóil a baisteadh sibh?
Mar ní ag baisteadh a chuir Críost uaidh mé ach ag fógairt an dea-scéil agus é a dhéanamh gan dul i muinín
eagna urlabhra ar eagla cros Chríost a choilleadh.
Briathar an Tiarna Buíochas le Dia
Alleluia Véarsa Mth 4: 23
Alleluia, alleluia!
D'fógair Íosa Dea-Scéal na ríochta, agus leigheas sé gach galar
agus gach éagruas i measc an phobail.
Alleluia!
SOISCÉAL
Go raibh an Tiarna libh. Agus le do spiorad féin
Sliocht as Soiscéal naofa de réir Naomh Mhatha 4:12-23 Glóir duit, a Thiarna.
Chuir sé faoi i gCafarnáum chun go gcomhlíonfaí a ndúradh trí Íseáia fáidh.
Nuair a chuala Íosa go raibh Eoin tugtha ar láimh, chuaigh sé i leataobh go dtí an Ghailíl. D’fhág sé Nazarat agus chuir faoi i gCafarnáum cois na farraige, i gcríocha Zabúlun agus Naftáilím chun go gcomhlíonfaí a ndúradh trí Íseáia fáidh:
“Talamh Zabúlun, talamh Naftáilím, bóthar na farraige, an taobh eile den Iordáin,
Gailíl na gciníocha, an pobal a bhí ina suí sa dorchadas, chonaic siad solas mór,
an mhuintir a chónaigh i dtír scáilmhear an bháis, d’éirigh solas chucu.”
Ón am sin amach, thosaigh Íosa ag seanmóir agus ag rá:“Déanaigí aithrí, mar tá ríocht na bhflaitheas in achmaireacht.”
Ag siúl dó cois farraige na Gailíle, chonaic sé beirt dearthár, Síomón ar a dtugtar Peadar agus Aindrias a dheartháir, ag caitheamh eangacha san fharraige, mar iascairí a bhí iontu. Labhair sé leo:
“Tagaigí i mo dhiaidh, agus déanfaidh mé iascairí ar dhaoine díbh.”
D’fhág siad na líonta láithreach agus lean siad é.
Bhuail sé ar aghaidh, agus chonaic sé beirt dearthár eile, Séamas mac Zeibidé agus Eoin a dheartháir: bhí siad sa bhád in éineacht lena n-athair, Zeibidé, ag cóiriú a gcuid líonta; agus ghlaoigh sé iad.
D’fhág siad an bád agus a n-athair láithreach agus lean siad é.
Agus ghabh Íosa ar fud na Gailíle go léir, ag teagasc sna sionagóga, ag fógairt
dea-scéil na ríochta, agus ag leigheas gach galar agus gach éagruas i measc an phobail.
Soiscéal an Tiarna. Moladh duit, a Chriost
*******************************************
Malairt SOISCÉAL gearr
Sliocht as Soiscéal naofa de réir Naomh Mhatha 4:12-17
Chuir sé faoi i gCafarnáum chun go gcomhlíonfaí a ndúradh trí Íseáia fáidh.
Nuair a chuala Íosa go raibh Eoin tugtha ar láimh, chuaigh sé i leataobh go dtí an Ghailíl. D’fhág sé Nazarat agus chuir faoi i gCafarnáum cois na farraige, i gcríocha Zabúlun agus Naftáilím chun go gcomhlíonfaí a ndúradh trí Íseáia fáidh:
“Talamh Zabúlun, talamh Naftáilím,
bóthar na farraige, an taobh eile den Iordáin, Gailíl na gciníocha,an pobal a bhí ina suí sa dorchadas, chonaic siad solas mór,
an mhuintir a chónaigh i dtír scáilmhear an bháis, d’éirigh solas chucu.”
Ón am sin amach, thosaigh Íosa ag seanmóir agus ag rá:
“Déanaigí aithrí, mar tá ríocht na bhflaitheas in achmaireacht.”
Soiscéal an Tiarna. Moladh duit, a Chriost
AN BÍOBLA NAOFA
© An Sagart
