Tuesday of the 1st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2

• First Reading -1 Samuel 1:9-20: Deeply distressed, Hannah prays for a son, promising his dedication to the Lord. Misunderstood by Eli, she clarifies her earnest prayer. God answers, blessing her with a son, Samuel.
• Responsorial Psalm - 1 Samuel 2: My spirit exults in the Lord, who reverses fortunes: empowering the weak, feeding the hungry, and elevating the lowly to places of honor, manifesting His just and merciful nature.
• Gospel - Mark 1:21-28: In Capernaum's synagogue, Jesus' authoritative teaching astounded the congregation, contrasting sharply with the scribes' methods. His authority was strikingly evident when he commanded an unclean spirit to exit a man. The spirit's dramatic expulsion, marked by convulsions and a loud cry, left the audience in deep amazement. They marveled at Jesus' powerful teachings and control over unclean spirits. This incident rapidly spread Jesus' fame throughout Galilee.

For Tuesday of the 1st Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 2, the themes emerging from the Mass readings are:

• Persistent Faith in Adversity: Hannah's story in 1 Samuel 1:9-20 embodies persistent faith amidst trials. Despite her distress and the initial misunderstanding of her prayer by Eli, Hannah's unwavering trust in God is evident. This theme encourages believers to maintain faith even when faced with challenges or misunderstandings.
• God's Response to Sincere Prayer: Hannah's earnest prayer and her promise to dedicate her son to God highlight the theme of God's response to sincere prayer. It serves as a reminder that God hears and answers prayers, often in unexpected ways.
• Dedication and Service to God: Hannah’s vow to dedicate Samuel to the Lord underscores the theme of dedicating one's life or gifts to God’s service. It invites reflection on how individuals can dedicate their own talents and lives to God’s purpose.
• God's Justice and Mercy: The Responsorial Psalm (1 Samuel 2) emphasizes God's just and merciful nature. It portrays a God who uplifts the lowly, feeds the hungry, and reverses fortunes, pointing to the theme of divine justice and mercy in the world.
• The Authority of Jesus' Teaching: The Gospel of Mark 1:21-28 highlights the authority of Jesus' teaching, which astonished those in the synagogue. This authority, distinct from that of the scribes, invites reflection on the transformative power of Christ’s teachings in personal and communal life.
• Christ's Power Over Evil: The dramatic expulsion of the unclean spirit from the man in the Gospel account underlines the theme of Jesus’ power over evil. It serves as a reminder of the spiritual authority of Christ and his role in delivering humanity from the grip of sin and evil.
• The Impact of Jesus' Ministry: The spread of Jesus’ fame after the incident in Capernaum reflects the theme of the far-reaching impact of Christ's ministry. It invites contemplation on how the message and actions of Jesus continue to influence and transform lives today.

These themes can be interwoven into lessons, homilies, or discussions, providing a rich tapestry of reflection that ties into the Catholic tradition and teachings, particularly pertinent to the liturgical season of Ordinary Time.

On this Tuesday of the 1st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, we find ourselves drawn into the profound depths of faith, trust, and divine authority as we reflect on the day's readings. At the heart of these reflections is the Gospel from Mark 1:21-28, where we witness the astonishing authority of Jesus in teaching and performing miracles.

In the synagogue of Capernaum, Jesus’ words resonate with an authority that starkly contrasts with the scribes'. His teachings are not just theoretical expositions; they are imbued with the power to transform. The unclean spirit’s recognition and submission to Jesus’ command demonstrate this divine authority in action. Here, Jesus is not just a teacher; he is a deliverer, confronting and overcoming the forces of evil.

This scene in the Gospel for Tuesday of the 1st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 echoes the themes of hope and divine intervention present in the First Reading. Hannah, deeply distressed, prays for a son and promises his dedication to the Lord. Her faith, though misunderstood by Eli, is a poignant testament to her trust in God’s providence. When God answers her prayer, it’s a powerful reminder of how earnest prayer can move the heart of the Divine. Just as God responded to Hannah's plea, Jesus responds to the needs of those suffering, embodying God's mercy and justice.

The Responsorial Psalm, “My spirit exults in the Lord,” further amplifies this message. It sings of a God who reverses fortunes, who uplifts the downtrodden – a theme that resonates with the actions of Jesus in the Gospel. In His teaching and miracles, Jesus embodies this Psalm, revealing a God who is close to the needy and who acts decisively on their behalf.

Reflecting on these readings, we are invited to consider the nature of divine authority in our lives. Jesus' authority is not oppressive but liberating. It challenges the forces that bind and diminish human life, offering instead freedom, hope, and renewal. This authority is rooted in love and compassion, extending an invitation to transformation and new life.

In our own journey of faith, we are called to trust in this same authority. Like Hannah, we are encouraged to bring our deepest needs and yearnings to God in prayer, trusting in His merciful response. And like the congregation in Capernaum, we are invited to be astonished and transformed by the teachings of Jesus, allowing His words to challenge and change us.

Today on this Tuesday of the 1st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, let us ask ourselves: How do we respond to the authority of Jesus in our lives? Are we open to being transformed by His teachings? Do we bring our needs to God with the faith of Hannah, trusting in His loving response? As we ponder these questions, let us pray for the grace to be ever more receptive to the transforming power of Christ's presence in our lives.

Prayer

Jesus, you are Lord of heaven and earth. Free me from the unhealthy attachments in my own life. I recognize your power over all that is not holy. Amen.

We Need Priests and Prophets

Fr. Richard Rohr's homily on Mark 1:21-28 explores the two strains of spiritual teachers in Judaism and other religions: the priestly and the prophetic. Priests maintain tradition and system, while prophets critically refine it. Rohr sees this balance in figures like Moses and Jesus, who both uphold and critically assess their traditions. He cites Pope Francis as a contemporary example, embodying both priestly and prophetic roles. Rohr highlights Jesus' first prophetic act in Mark's Gospel, driving out evil from the synagogue, and emphasizes that true spiritual maturity involves honoring tradition while also recognizing and addressing its shortcomings.

What date is Tuesday of the 1st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

Cycle 1 is used in odd numbered years and Cycle 2 is used in even numbered years. The gospel is the same for both years. For odd numbered years see Tuesday of the 1st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1.

What are the Mass readings for Tuesday of the 1st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

The Mass readings for Tuesday January 13, 2026 are:
First Reading -1 Samuel 1:9-20: Hannah's Prayer and Samuel's Birth
Responsorial Psalm - 1 Samuel 2: Rejoicing in the Lord's Justice
Gospel - Mark 1:21-28: Jesus' Authority Demonstrated

What is the main theme of the First Reading for Tuesday of the 1st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 from 1 Samuel 1:9-20?

The main theme is persistent faith and prayer. It tells the story of Hannah’s deep distress and her earnest prayer for a son, which is answered by God, exemplifying trust in God’s providence.

How does the Responsorial Psalm (1 Samuel 2) complement the First Reading for Tuesday of the 1st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

The Psalm echoes the themes of God’s justice and mercy, celebrating how God uplifts the downtrodden and reverses fortunes, similar to how Hannah’s situation is transformed.

What significant event happens in the Gospel reading for Tuesday of the 1st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 from Mark 1:21-28?

The Gospel describes Jesus teaching with authority in a synagogue and performing an exorcism, demonstrating his power over unclean spirits and his authoritative teaching style.

How does the Gospel reading for Tuesday of the 1st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 relate to the concept of authority in spirituality?

The Gospel showcases Jesus’ authority in teaching and over evil, inviting us to reflect on the transformative and liberating nature of divine authority in our lives.

Can we draw parallels between Hannah’s story and Jesus’ actions in the Gospel for Tuesday of the 1st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

Yes, both narratives emphasize trust in God and the manifestation of God’s power in response to human needs - Hannah through prayer and Jesus through teaching and healing.

What message can we take from these readings for Tuesday of the 1st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 for our daily lives?

These readings encourage us to have persistent faith in adversity, to trust in God’s response to our prayers, and to recognize and embrace the authoritative teachings of Jesus in our spiritual journey.

How is the theme of God's intervention evident in these readings for Tuesday of the 1st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

God’s intervention is evident in Hannah’s answered prayer and in Jesus’ authority to teach and heal, demonstrating God’s active presence and response in human affairs.

What can we learn about prayer from Hannah’s experience in the First Reading for Tuesday of the 1st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

Hannah’s experience teaches us about the power of sincere, heartfelt prayer and the importance of trusting God’s timing and response.

Why is Jesus’ method of teaching in the Gospel for Tuesday of the 1st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 seen as different from the scribes?

Jesus’ teaching is seen as different due to its inherent authority and power, as evidenced by his ability to perform miracles, in contrast to the more traditional and theoretical approach of the scribes.