January 23
Saturday, week 2 in Ordinary Time
Feast shown for the year 2027; movable feasts can vary from year to year.
Today, the Church observes a "feria," meaning there is no particular saint or feast assigned to this day, and the celebration is simply that of a weekday in Ordinary Time. In the Roman Catholic liturgical tradition, "ferial" days offer the faithful an opportunity to meditate on the daily readings and focus on the central mysteries of the faith, especially as expressed in the daily liturgy. The color green is used during Ordinary Time, symbolizing spiritual growth, hope, and the ongoing journey of conversion and discipleship. On these days, the prayers and readings are chosen from the Ordinary Time sections of the Missal, emphasizing the teachings and actions of Christ in His public ministry.
Ferial days provide a spiritual rhythm that underlines the sanctification of ordinary life; Catholics are encouraged to encounter God in the seemingly routine or simple days, seeing grace at work outside of particular feast days. The liturgical calendar, by marking many such ordinary days, allows space for personal devotion, reflection, and deeper appreciation of the mysteries celebrated in the liturgical cycle. The Church keeps these days to remind the faithful that every day is an opportunity to grow closer to Christ, even outside of major celebrations.
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Questions about Saturday, week 2 in Ordinary Time (Novus Ordo Missae)
Liturgical texts of January 23, 2027
The liturgical day
Mass readings
ReadingHe 9, 2-3.11-14
Brothers,
in the sanctuary of the old Covenant,
a tent was set up, the first one,
where there were the seven-branched lampstand
and the table with the loaves of offering;
this is what is called the Holy Place.
Behind the second curtain,
was the tent called the Holy of Holies.
Christ came as high priest of the good things to come.
Through the greater and more perfect tent,
one not made by human hands
and not belonging to this creation,
he entered once for all into the sanctuary,
not with the blood of goats and young bulls,
but with his own blood.
In this way, he obtained a lasting redemption.
If it is true that a simple sprinkling
with the blood of goats and bulls,
and the ashes of a heifer,
sanctifies those who are defiled,
restoring them to outward purity,
the blood of Christ does much more,
because Christ, moved by the eternal Spirit,
offered himself to God
as a victim without blemish;
his blood will therefore purify our conscience
from the acts that lead to death,
so that we may serve the living God.
– The word of the Lord.
Psalm46 (47), 2-3, 6-7, 8-9
All peoples, clap your hands,
acclaim God with shouts of joy!
For the Lord, the Most High, is awesome,
the great king over all the earth.
God ascends with cheers,
the Lord, with the blast of the horn.
Sing praise to our God, sing,
sing praise to our king, sing!
For God is king of all the earth:
let your music proclaim it!
God reigns over the nations,
God is seated on his holy throne.
GospelMc 3, 20-21
At that time,
Jesus returned home,
where again a crowd gathered,
so great that it was not even possible to eat.
When his family heard of this,
they set out to seize him,
because they were saying,
“He has lost his mind.”
– Let us acclaim the word of God.
Liturgical texts: © AELF — aelf.org