📖 Mass Readings – 16 January 2026 (Friday)

 

Opening Prayer

“O God, who in the Sacred Scriptures share with us the wisdom of Your Word, grant that we may hear it with reverence, believe it with living faith, and apply it in all our actions. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.”





1️⃣ First Reading

1 Samuel 8:4-7, 10-22a
In this reading, the elders of Israel ask Samuel to appoint a king like other nations. Samuel is displeased, but God tells him to listen to the people. God reminds Samuel that by asking for a human king, the people are really rejecting God Himself as their King.

Explanation:
God had guided Israel through judges and prophets. When people ask for a king like other nations, it reflects a desire for control and security apart from trusting God. This reading teaches us that obedience to God’s will is deeper than following worldly trends or pressures.

Application:
Ask yourself: Am I putting worldly expectations ahead of God’s guidance in my life? When pressured by trends or opinions, let your first answer be prayer and trust in the Lord.

ðŸŠķ Responsorial Psalm

Psalm 89:16-17, 18-19

“Blessed are the people the Lord has chosen to be his own.”

Explanation:
The psalm praises God for His faithfulness and protective care. Even when we’re tempted to rely on human power, God remains steadfast.

Application:
In moments of doubt, pray this refrain slowly and trust that God chooses you and walks with you — not because of what you have, but because of who you are in Christ.

✝️ Gospel Acclamation

Alleluia.
“A great prophet has arisen in our midst.” (cf. Luke 7:16)

✝️ Gospel

Mark 2:1-12
Jesus returns to Capernaum, and a large crowd gathers. Some men bring a paralytic to Jesus by lowering him through the roof — because the crowd was too thick. Jesus, seeing their faith, first forgives the man’s sins and then heals him, showing His authority to both forgive and heal.

Explanation:
This is a powerful scene about faith in action. The friends of the paralytic did not wait for an easy entrance; they got creative and persevered. Jesus recognizes their faith and responds with mercy.

Application:
Consider someone you could bring before Jesus in prayer — whether physically, emotionally, or spiritually. How persistent is your faith? Do you keep seeking Jesus even when it’s difficult?

🛐 Closing Prayer

“Lord Jesus, You are the source of mercy and forgiveness. Help us to trust Your authority in our lives. As we face our daily struggles, grant us faith like those who brought the paralytic to You — persistent, hopeful, and loving. Make our hearts sensitive to the needs of others and teach us to bring them gently before You. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.”

📍 Practical Takeaways for Singapore Catholics & Catechumens

✨ Trust God as your King rather than looking for quick fixes from the world.
✨ Live mercy and forgiveness — it’s at the heart of Jesus’ mission.
✨ Be persistent in prayer — even when life is crowded with distractions.

🔗 Sources / Further Reading

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