Mass Readings January 13, 2026

Bible Verses for quick reference

1 Samuel 1:9–20
1 Samuel 2:1, 4–5, 6–7, 8abcd
1 Thessalonians 2:13
Mark 1:21–28

First Reading: (1 Samuel 1:9–20)

Responsorial Psalm: (1 Samuel 2:1, 4–5, 6–7, 8)

Response: "My heart exults in the Lord, my Savior".

Alleluia: (1 Thessalonians 2:13)

Alleluia, alleluia.
Receive the word of God, not as the word of men, but as it truly is, the word of God.
Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel: (Mark 1:21–28)

REFLECTION

“God hears the hidden prayer.”

Today’s readings revolve around God’s response to the sincere heart.

Hannah’s silent prayer
Hannah’s lips move, but no sound comes out. Her prayer is raw, wordless, and born from deep pain. Yet God hears what no one else can hear.
Her story reminds us that:

• God is not moved by eloquence, but by honesty.
• Even when others misunderstand us, God understands perfectly.
• Prayer changes us before it changes our circumstances—Hannah leaves with peace before she conceives.

Jesus’ authority in the Gospel
In Capernaum, Jesus speaks and acts with a divine authority that:

• Confronts evil directly.
• Restores dignity.
• Reveals who He truly is: the Holy One of God.

The unclean spirit recognizes Jesus before the crowd does. Sometimes darkness sees the light more clearly than those who stand near it.

The connection
Hannah’s prayer and Jesus’ authority meet in one truth:
God intervenes powerfully in the lives of those who turn to Him.
Hannah’s womb is opened.
A tormented man is freed.
A community witnesses the power of God breaking into ordinary life.

For your day

• Bring God the prayer you can’t put into words.
• Trust that He hears what others overlook.
• Let Jesus speak with authority into the places of your life that feel chaotic or oppressed.
• Expect God to act, not always instantly, but always faithfully.

God bless you 

Pal Ronnie