Tuesday, 13 January 2026 (Tuesday of the 1st Week in Ordinary Time)

• 📖 1) Opening Prayer 

  Opening Prayer
  O God, author of every devotion and good desire,
  graciously hear the prayers of those who ask
  and grant what they ask in accordance with Your will.
  Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son,
  who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
  one God, forever and ever.
  Amen.

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  📚 2) Daily Mass Readings — 13 Jan 2026

  🕯️ First Reading

  1 Samuel 1:9–20
  Hannah, deeply distressed because she was barren, prayed with intense longing for a child. Eli the priest at Shiloh initially misunderstands her actions, but she explains her sorrow and vow. God hears her prayer and she conceives Samuel, whom she dedicates to the Lord.

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  🎶 Responsorial Psalm

  1 Samuel 2:1, 4–5, 6–7, 8abcd

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

  The psalm beautifully celebrates God’s reversal of human misfortune:

  • God humbles the proud and exalts the lowly.

  • He strengthens the weak and brings down the powerful.

  • God gives life and brings down the dead.

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  ✨ Alleluia Verse

  From 1 Thessalonians 2:13
  Receive the word of God, not as the word of men, but as it truly is, the word of God.

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  ✝️ Gospel

  Mark 1:21–28

  Jesus teaches in the synagogue at Capernaum with authority. A man possessed by an unclean spirit confronts Him. Jesus rebukes the spirit, commanding it to come out, and it obeys. The people are amazed at His authority — both in teaching and over evil spirits.

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  🧠 3) Short Explanations & Themes

  📌 First Reading (Hannah’s Prayer)

  Hannah’s heartfelt prayer shows the power of persistent, honest prayer.
  She cries out to God in pain and trusts Him completely — even when it seems silent.
  This reading teaches us that God hears the sincere petitions of His people and responds in His timing.

  Application:
  Reflect: What burdens are you carrying to the Lord today? Like Hannah, bring your deepest longings to God in prayer — with trust that He listens.

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  📌 Responsorial Psalm

  The psalm is a song of praise and reversal — God lifts the humble and humbles the proud, showing that His ways transcend human expectations.

  Application:
  Offer praise today — not only in joyful times but also when life feels upside down. God’s grace can turn our discouragement into hope.

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  📌 Gospel (Authority of Jesus)

  Here, Jesus shows His authority not only to teach but also to liberate from the power of evil. Even unclean spirits obey Him.

  Application:
  In moments of spiritual struggle — confusion, fear, or temptation — remember that Jesus has authority. Invite Him into your life to bring peace and freedom.

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  🙏 4) Closing Prayer 

  Prayer
  We give You thanks, Lord Jesus Christ, for the nourishment we have received from Your Body and Blood.
  May this holy sacrament strengthen us in faith, hope and love,
  that we may serve You faithfully and walk always in Your ways.
  You who live and reign forever and ever.
  Amen.

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  🕊️ 5) Personal Application — For Catholics & Catechumens

  • For Catholics: Use today’s readings to deepen your prayer life. Like Hannah, bring your joys and pains to God daily.

  • For Catechumens: Notice how Scripture reveals who Jesus is — not just as a teacher, but as One with authority over evil and the human heart. Let this inspire your journey toward full communion with the Church.

  • All believers: Let the Word of God shape your day. Sit with the psalm’s praise — and let it shape your thanksgiving to God