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Daily Readings
Weekly reading
Readings for the week of January 11, 2026
- Sunday: Is 42:1-4, 6-7 / Ps 29:1-2, 3-4, 3, 9-10 / Acts 10:34-38 / Mt 3:13-17
- Monday: 1 Sm 1:1-8 / Ps 116:12-13, 14-17, 18-19 / Mk 1:14-20
- Tuesday: 1 Sm 1:9-20 / 1 Sam 2:1, 4-5, 6-7, 8abcd / Mk 1:21-28
- Wednesday: 1 Sm 3:1-10, 19-20 / Ps 40:2 and 5, 7-8a, 8b-9, 10 / Mk 1:29-39
- Thursday: 1 Sm 4:1-11 / Ps 44:10-11, 14-15, 24-25 / Mk 1:40-45
- Friday: 1 Sm 8:4-7, 10-22a / Ps 89:16-17, 18-19 / Mk 2:1-12
- Saturday: 1 Sm 9:1-4, 17-19; 10:1a / Ps 21:2-3, 4-5, 6-7 / Mk 2:13-17
- Next Sunday: Is 49:3, 5-6 / Ps 40:2 and 4, 7-8, 8-9, 10 / 1 Cor 1:1-3 / Jn 1:29-34
Pastor Message and Prayer
1/11
We are called to follow the Prince of Peace
READ ISAIAH, CHAPTER 9, VERSES 1 TO 7
War has been so much a part of human history that it is difficult to imagine a world of peace. Violence has so characterized human interaction that its presence is accepted as inevitable. The Jewish tradition dares to imagine a time when war will end and when peace will be endless. This oracle was probably spoken by Isaiah to provide the qualities of Immanuel who was named in the passage of Isaiah 7:1-16. which describes a future leader who will perfectly actualize God's promises. Matthew applies Isaiah's vision to Jesus, claiming that his light shines on those who sit in darkness (Matthew 4:15-16).
"All the boots of the trampling warriors...shall be burned as fuel for the fire."
ISAIAH 9:5
The darkness in question is the violence of the world. Widespread and durable, it influences not only the dealings of countries but neighborhoods and families as well. Might makes right. Force will accomplish what is necessary. Isaiah presents and alternative vision: a world at peace, a world based not on brute power but on justice and righteousness. It is easy to dismiss such a vision as a simplistic dream. Our faith tradition demands that we accept it as God's intention. Followers of Jesus dare to imagine a world where conflicts can be resolved through dialoque, and bloodshed can be forestalled by justice. Christians understand that we are called to contribute to this vision: to eliminate violent choices from our own lives, to discourage aggression wherever we find it, and to persuade others that hostility is a failure not a solution. Some may say we are lost in illusion. But we claim to be following the Prince of Peace.
How can I oppose the inclination to violence which may be present in my relationships?
Prayer Starter: Prince of Peace, your reign runs contrary to the patterns of our world. Help me to rejuect the use of force and employ the power of love.
Fr. Joachim
St. Mary Mass Times
Saturday 6:00pm
Sunday 8:30am
Daily Mass Times
Wednesday 8:30am
Wednesday: Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament 9am-9:30am
Friday 8:30am
First Friday 8:30am Healing Mass and Adoration
Confession Times
Saturday from 5:30-5:50 or
by appointment by calling the Rectory at 815-858-3422
St. Mary Office Hours
Wednesday 8:30 am- 3:30 p.m.. by appointment
Thursday 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
