23 January 2026 - prayers of the faithful for Friday of the 2nd week of Ordinary Time

Lord Jesus, you are the Prince of Peace. 

Lord Jesus, you are Son of God and Son of Mary.

Lord Jesus, you are Word made flesh. 

Priest: Lord God of wonder, as we reflect upon we you reveal yourself to us in your son, we bring our prayers to you this evening: 

1. For all who seek to follow Christ, we pray that we may follow him more closely each day.  

2. For for healing and wholeness for the sick and the afflicted in body, mind or spirit.  

3. For all married couples, that the Lord may bless them in their joys and their struggles, in their children, family members, and friends. 

4. For more love and kindness in the world, for a greater sense of thanksgiving and gratitude.  

5. For an end to all violence in our homes and in our communities. 

6. For our children and youth. May the Lord continue to lead them and guide them in their studies and activities this school year.  

7. For the prayers we hold in the silence of our hearts. 

Priest: With joy and hope, we present our prayers through your Son Jesus Christ, our Lord forever and ever.  AMEN.  

23 January 2026 - Friday of the 2nd week in Ordinary Time - 1 Samuel 24:3-21

We hear our continuing story from the first book of Samuel today. In today’s reading, David has the opportunity to kill King Saul, his nemesis, as Saul enters the cave where David is hiding. Saul is intent on killing David himself when he enters that cave, as he sees David as his rival. The mercy that David showed Saul when he had the chance to kill him is remarkable, a contrast to the revenge, vengeance, and vitriol we have seen in society in recent years, especially in the realm of politics and social media.  So many in our modern world today would not have the discipline or compassion to show the restraint that David showed in cutting off the end of Saul's garment and then pointing out to Saul that he could have easily killed him. Even if David had not confronted Saul and had simply allowed him to walk out of the cave unharmed without saying anything, God would have known the truth. In the end, it is the Lord who judges us, who knows our motives and our desires. It is easy to show kindness to our friends, family members, loved ones, and those who are kind to us, to pray for them, but not so easy toward our enemies. 

Marianne Cope was the oldest of 10 children. She was born in Germany in 1838 and was brought to New York state as a baby by her parents. Her parents struggled in the US, so Marianne quit school after 8th grade to work in a factory to help her family. Despite the challenges she faced, she entered religious life in 1862 as a Franciscan sister. She taught in German-speaking Catholic grade schools and became a school principal. Later, she and her order opened some of the first hospitals in that area of New York state. When she was the superior general of her order, she was asked to send some of the sisters to serve in ministry in Hawaii with the lepers. Not only did she send 6 sisters, but she went herself.  

Sister Marianne and her Franciscans sisters worked in two hospitals, they opened a home for the daughters of lepers and a home for women and girls on the island of Molokai when Father Damien was living out his last days after coming down with leprosy himself from his ministry with the lepers. Sister Marianne nursed Father Damien in his last dying days. She and the Franciscan sisters continued Father Damien’s ministry on Molokai.  She stayed on that island 30 years until her death in 1918.  She was canonized by Pope Benedict XVI in 2012, three years after Father Damien was canonized. Sister Marianne’s life and ministry stand as a testimony of faith for all of us. May we unite our prayers with her prayers today. 

22 January 2026 - homily for Thursday of the 2nd week in Ordinary Time - psalm 56

Saint Vincent of Zaragoza was ordained as a deacon by his friend St Valerius of Zaragoza in Spain. The Roman emperors had published their edicts against the clergy in 303, and the following year against the laity. Vincent and his bishop were imprisoned in Valencia, Spain. The were tortured to impel them to renounce their faith. Valerius was sent into exile.  Dacian, the Roman governor, tried everything he could against Vincent, but failed. He asked Vincent to give up his sacred books to be burned, but Vincent refused. Thrown into prison, Vincent converted the prison guard to the Christian faith. Finally, Vincent was allowed to rest on a jail bed, where he went to his eternal life with God. He died around the year 304. Much of his life is based on legend that has been passed down, but even the great St Augustine of Hippo was inspired by the story of Vincent of Zaragoza. 

As we celebrate the courage of the deacon Vincent of Zaragoza today, we commemorate the anniversary of Roe v. Wade legal decision and the day established by the Church of penance for abortion. This day has been formally named as the “Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children.” Even with the overturning of the Roe vs Wade decision, abortion remains legal in many states. I remember for many years going down to the abortion clinic on State Street in the Fonderan neighborhood to pray for an an end to abortion. It is amazing to think that this clinic is now closed. We as Catholics are to be pro-life in many different ways, especially protecting human life that is most vulnerable and that cannot protect itself. We unite our prayers with Christian all around our country today, respecting the dignity of human life on its most basic level.

Our psalm today states: “In God I trust; I shall not fear.” May we place our trust in God’s laws and commandments as we proclaim the truths of the values of our faith to the world. 

22 January 2026 - prayers of the faithful for Thursday of the 2nd week of Ordinary Time

Lord Jesus - you are the holy servant of God. 

Christ Jesus - you bring us new life. 

Lord Jesus - you are the light of the nations.  

Priest:  We now look to God, who sent his son and his holy spirit to the world, as we present our prayers:

1. For the Church, that by our prophetic word and works of service, we may give witness to the continuing presence of the Holy Spirit in the world.

2. For our world leaders, that they may resolve to pursue peace amongst all nations, resolving conflicts and animosities. 

3. For all missionaries and evangelizers, that they may testify to the light of Christ, so that God’s word may be proclaimed to the ends of the earth. 

4. That all Christians may put into practice our love of God and our love of neighbor, finding common ground in our faith. 

5. For the healing of any sickness and brokenness that exists in our lives. 

6. For the repose of the souls of the faithful departed. For the souls in purgatory.  

7. For the prayers we hold in the silence of our hearts. For our prayers, both spoken and unspoken. 

Priest: Generous God, may your precious gifts of the Son and the Holy Spirit guide us as we put your love and mercy into action.  We make our prayers through your Son Jesus Christ, our Lord forever and ever.  AMEN. 

21 January 2026 - prayers of the faithful for Wednesday of the 2nd week of Ordinary Time Lord Jesus - you bring us your Father’s love. Christ Jesus - you proclaim God's justice and peace. Lord Jesus - you bring us healing and strength. Priest: We now present our prayers to our heavenly Father with faith and hope: 1. That our Church would be renewed with the Holy Spirit working within us as individuals and as a community. 2. That the Gospel of life would motivate our words and our actions, helping us to reach out to the vulnerable in society, both the born and unborn. 3. As we celebrate Word of God Sunday this upcoming weekend, may we grow in our love of God’s word and embrace his word in our daily lives. 4. That we would take practical steps in striving toward Christian unity, working in collaboration with all our Christian brothers and sisters. 5. For healing for the sick in body, mind, and spirit. 6. For the prayers we hold in the silence of our hearts today. Priest: We make our prayers out of faith and obedience through your son Jesus Christ, our Lord forever and ever. AMEN.

Lord Jesus - you bring us your Father’s love. 

Christ Jesus - you proclaim God's justice and peace. 

Lord Jesus - you bring us healing and strength.  

Priest: We now present our prayers to our heavenly Father with faith and hope: 

1. That our Church would be renewed with the Holy Spirit working within us as individuals and as a community. 

2. That the Gospel of life would motivate our words and our actions, helping us to reach out to the vulnerable in society, both the born and unborn.  

3. As we celebrate Word of God Sunday this upcoming weekend, may we grow in our love of God’s word and embrace his word in our daily lives. 

4. That we would take practical steps in striving toward Christian unity, working in collaboration with all our Christian brothers and sisters. 

5. For healing for the sick in body, mind, and spirit. 

6. For the prayers we hold in the silence of our hearts today. 

Priest: We make our prayers out of faith and obedience through your son Jesus Christ, our Lord forever and ever.  AMEN. 

20 January 2026 - prayers of the faithful for Tuesday of the 2nd week of Ordinary Time

Lord Jesus - you call us to be faithful. 

Christ Jesus - you call us to holiness. 

Lord Jesus - you are the beloved son of the Father. 

Priest: We now bring our prayers to our heavenly Father: 

1. That all of us Christian may bring hospitality and compassion to our brothers and sister in need.  

2. For the unemployed, for those searching for work, for those searching for value and meaning in their lives. May the Lord lead them to meaning and to their vocation in life.  

3. For our governmental leaders. That they look beyond their own self-interests and to the good of society and to the values of our faith. 

4. For parents and teachers, that by their words and actions, they may help our children and youth find Jesus and grow in their faith.

5. For the elderly and all who are lonely. For the sick and the afflicted. That they may know our support during these dark winter days.

6. For those who have died recently and for all the faithful departed. That God who delivered Jesus from death may raise them to eternal life.  

7. For the prayers we hold in the silence of our hearts. 

Priest: God our creator, you hear our cries when we are in need.  We ask that you humbly grant our petitions, we pray you, through Christ our Lord forever and ever.  AMEN.   

21 January 2026 - homily for Wednesday of the 2nd week of Ordinary Time - 1 Samuel 17:32-33, 37, 40-51

St. Agnes, who died around the year 258, is the saint of the day. She was a young woman who died at the age of 12 or 13 for her commitment to Jesus.  Agnes was an important saint in the early church. She committed her life to virtue & chastity, vowing to remain a virgin bride for Christ.  She was killed by Roman authorities at a time of great persecution.  Agnes remained an example of great faith to many of our early Church fathers, so much so that the daughter of the Roman emperor Constantine built a basilica in Rome in her honor. St. Agnes remains an example of faith in our modern era. May her  courage be an inspiration to us all.  As she honored Christ with her virtue and her life, may we honor Jesus as the Chief priest forever. 

Today, from the first book of Samuel, we hear the familiar story of David and Goliath, of a professional warrior being approached by young boy for a fight. Goliath curses David in the name of his pagan gods and describes how he is going to destroy him. David came into this meeting with Goliath having confidence that the Lord would protect him. David tells Goliath that he comes against him in the name of the Lord. While David has confidence in God, he also does his part. He doesn't just sit back and let God do all the work. David had work to do as well. But, instead of the weapons of an ancient warrior, David brings stones and a sling, the tools that a shepherd in Ancient Israel would use to protect his flock. At times on our journey of faith we may feel vulnerable and ill equipped, needing to put our trust in the Lord. When we approach goals and problems in life, we are called to see God's presence in what we are undertaking. Nothing is impossible for God. 

20 January 2026 - St Sebastian - Tuesday of the 2nd week of Ordinary Time - 1 Samuel 16:1-13

St Sebastian lived in the latter part of the 3rd century. He was a very important martyr in the early Church, but there is not a lot that we can substantiate about him in our modern era.  He died as a martyr and was venerated in Milan in the era of St Ambrose and St Augustine in the 4th century. Tradition passes down that he was a soldier in the Roman army. When his Christian Faith was discovered, he was brought before a squad where he was clubbed to death. He survived this beating, but his identity as a Christian was again discovered, and this time he died from his beating. He was buried on the Appian way in the catacombs that bear his name. St Sebastian is the patron saint of athletes due to his legendary physical endurance, strength, and perseverance in the face of torture, mirroring the qualities valued in sports. 

In our reading from 1 Samuel, God rejected Saul as the king of Israel due to his recalcitrance. God sent Samuel to Jesse of Bethlehem, telling Samuel that he has chosen the new king of Israel from among Jesse's sons. Samuel sees one of Jesse's sons, Eliab; Samuel is certain that he is the one whom God has chosen. However, God responds to Samuel that he should not judge according to appearance only, that God looks not at the outside appearance, but at the heart. 

As a priest, I realize that sometimes we think we can know someone's situation from what we ourselves observe and from the outward appearance, but what is going on in someone's heart can be completely different. In our society, we can focus on the externals that we see. We are conditioned in society to make everything look good on the outside. Yet, ultimately, it does not matter what everyone else thinks or what our appearance is. What matters is what God sees and what God knows is going on in our hearts.  

16 January 2026 - homily for Friday of the first week in Ordinary time - 1 Samuel 8:4-7 and 10-22a - Psalm 89

For generations, the people of ancient Israel were a confederation of tribes. God brought forth leaders, priests, and prophets throughout Israel's history to lead his people. The tribes were supposed to help and protect each other, but often they were too weak or too disorganized to be effective. Many of the books of the Old Testament show the failures that happened Israel because of their lack of unity and trust.

In our reading from the first book of Samuel, the people approach Samuel, wanting a king for their nation after seeing the other nations around them prosper and gain military victories under the leadership of kings.  However, Samuel responds to the people that they already have God, that they simply need to be more faithful to him. But, having God as their king is not good enough; they want more, they want what their neighbors have. 

This pattern is repeated again and again in human history. Often, what we have isn't good enough. Many in our society and in our world today envy the prosperity, success, and material goods of their neighbor. Samuel tells the people of Israel what it will cost them when they make things other than God their king. The same is true for us today. The people of Israel refuse to listen to Samuel. For us as well, if we do not listen to God, there will be a price to pay. 

The psalmist tells us in Psalm 89 that we are blessed if we walk in the light of the Lord, if we rejoice in God's name and if we exalt in his justice. May we truly follow in our hearts this road of faith that the Lord has put before us.   

16 January 2026 - prayers of the faithful for Friday of the 1st week in Ordinary Time

Lord Jesus - you are the beloved son of the father. 

Christ Jesus - you are a light shining in the world. 

Lord Jesus - you bring us new life. 

Priest: As we journey through this first week in ordinary time, we present our prayers to our heavenly Father:

1. For the unity of all Christians: that God will heal the wounds in the body of Christ and help us to give common witness to the world. 

2. For all impacted by natural disasters and winter weather. That God will lead them to safety and help. 

3. For an end to violence in our families, our neighborhoods, and our city streets. That God will turn hearts away from violence and anger. 

4. That God will help us build up our communities in justice and peace. 

5. For greater respect for human life from the moment of conception to the moment of natural death. 

6. That the Holy Spirit open our hearts to see the ways God is present in the world. 

7. For the sick and afflicted. For those struggling with addictions and mental health issues. For healing and wholeness. 

8. For the prayers we hold in the silence of our hearts. 

Priest: With hope and trust, we present these prayers through your son Jesus Christ, our Lord forever and ever. AMEN.

15 January 2026 - prayers of the faithful for Thursday of the 1st week in Ordinary Time

Lord Jesus - you are the beloved son of the father. 

Christ Jesus - you are a light shining in the world. 

Lord Jesus - you call us to faith. 

Priest: As we journey through this first week in ordinary time, we present our prayers to our heavenly Father: 

1. That we may fully cooperate and support the actions of God working in the reality of our lives. 

2. That we may grow in discipleship, supported by the intercessions of Mary and the community of saints. 

3. May we grow in our trust of God, who never tires of providing for us. 

4. For our president, our governor, and all elected officials. May God help them fulfill their duties of leadership. 

5. That God will help heal the divisions that exist in our country and in our families. 

6. That God will work within our families and within all married couples. That they be channels of God’s love. 

7. That our works of mercy and charity be signs of God’s presence in the world. 

8. For the prayers we hold in the silence of our hearts today. 

Priest: With hope and trust, we present these prayers through your son Jesus Christ, our Lord forever and ever. AMEN. 

15 January 2026 - St Ida - homily for Thursday of the 1st week in Ordinary time - 1 Samuel 4:1-11

The Israelites were defeated by the Philistines in battle, but they went to get the ark of the covenant, which they thought would bring them sure victory.  However, rather than bringing them victory, they received instead a humiliating defeat, with the Philistines beating them easily.  The Philistines captured the ark of the covenant in the process. The Israelites would get the ark of the covenant back several chapters later in the first book of Samuel. The unintended happens in life sometimes and our actions can bring about that which we were fearing would happen. 

We celebrate a very interesting saint from 6th century Ireland today - St Ita of Killeedy located in county Limerick. A nun, she founded a school and convent in Killeedy. It is said that St Brendan was one of her students at the school. St. Ita was once asked by St. Brendan what were the three things which God most detested. She replied: a scowling face, a will that clings to wrong-doing, and placing too great a confidence in the power of money. Brendan then asked her what are the three things that God especially loves. She answered: true faith in God with a pure heart, a simple religious life, and being generous in charity. A holy well and Catholic Church are located today on the site of her former convent.