Father Madden's Sunday Reflection
St. John's Church
4th Sunday in Ordinary Time
February 1, 2026
EasterWhat's in this email?
- Fr. Madden's Sunday Reflection
- Video Mass Link
- Sunday Mass Readings
- Prayer Intentions
- Parish Resources
- Online Giving
Father Madden's
Sunday Reflection
Dear Friends in the Lord,
Though it is not one of the recommended readings in the Lectionary, the familiar passage, “There is an appointed time for everything” is often used at Funeral Masses. It comes from the 3rd chapter of the Book of Ecclesiastes. You may have noticed that I am the funniest person I know, so I often point out that those of us of a certain generation identify it with Pete Seeger before the Old Testament. The poem includes fourteen pairs of opposites which assure us that God has determined the appropriate “time” for each of them. We must acknowledge that we cannot know them, nor can we know the wider courses of events and purposes fixed by God. Still, it is a helpful lesson at a funeral and at other times, as well. Whether at the loss of a loved one or the other life’s tragedies, believing that God remains in control the world is a consolation.
That being said, the Gospel of Matthew makes clear that Jesus did not come to abolish the law and the prophets but to fulfill them. He did not come to merely console us, but to save us. The Beatitudes offer the way to the fulfillment of Ecclesiastes’ wisdom. Jesus teaches that not only is God present in our poverty, grief, meekness and suffering, but by God’s grace these can all be transformed into a new life. Believing in and being motivated by this eternal truth is as important today as it has ever been. Things are tough today. The concern is that when life is so challenging, we can become impotent. Wondering what can I possibly do to make any difference? Plenty. The more that our hunger and thirst for righteousness brings more of us together, the more we will be satisfied. The more we cleanse our hearts, the more we will see God in each other and all others.
For example, in response to the harshness of this winter, we are hoping to offer the St. Francis Xavier Center more regularly as an Overflow Winter Shelter. We could use help. If you have an extra hour or a favorite recipe to bring, any and all help is welcomed and needed. Please contact danielle.cutillo@stjohnsfoorforthepoor.org from more information and to volunteer.
Monday’s Mass for Healing was badly affected by the snowstorm. Therefore, we will be offering the Sacrament of the Sick after the 6:15 pm Mass this Monday.
Tuesday is the Feast of St Blaise. In his honor and through his intercession, we will be blessing throats after all the Masses this weekend.
Finally, Heath Mulcahy is heading back to Mount Saint Mary’s Seminary in Emmitsburg, MD. We are most grateful for his ministry and presence here these last two weeks. I have assured him of our prayers. He assures us of his prayers.
In Christ’s Peace, Fr John Madden
1st Reading: Lectionary 70
Seek the LORD, all you humble of the earth,
who have observed his law;
seek justice, seek humility;
perhaps you may be sheltered
on the day of the LORD's anger.
But I will leave as a remnant in your midst
a people humble and lowly,
who shall take refuge in the name of the LORD:
the remnant of Israel.
They shall do no wrong
and speak no lies;
nor shall there be found in their mouths
a deceitful tongue;
they shall pasture and couch their flocks
with none to disturb them.
who have observed his law;
seek justice, seek humility;
perhaps you may be sheltered
on the day of the LORD's anger.
But I will leave as a remnant in your midst
a people humble and lowly,
who shall take refuge in the name of the LORD:
the remnant of Israel.
They shall do no wrong
and speak no lies;
nor shall there be found in their mouths
a deceitful tongue;
they shall pasture and couch their flocks
with none to disturb them.
Responsorial: Psalm
R. (Mt 5:3) Blessed are the poor in spirit; the kingdom of heaven is theirs!
or:
R. Alleluia.
The LORD keeps faith forever,
secures justice for the oppressed,
gives food to the hungry.
The LORD sets captives free.
R. Blessed are the poor in spirit; the kingdom of heaven is theirs!
or:
R. Alleluia.
The LORD gives sight to the blind;
the LORD raises up those who were bowed down.
The LORD loves the just;
the LORD protects strangers.
R. Blessed are the poor in spirit; the kingdom of heaven is theirs!
or:
R. Alleluia.
The fatherless and the widow the LORD sustains,
but the way of the wicked he thwarts.
The LORD shall reign forever;
your God, O Zion, through all generations. Alleluia.
R. Blessed are the poor in spirit; the kingdom of heaven is theirs!
or:
R. Alleluia.
or:
R. Alleluia.
The LORD keeps faith forever,
secures justice for the oppressed,
gives food to the hungry.
The LORD sets captives free.
R. Blessed are the poor in spirit; the kingdom of heaven is theirs!
or:
R. Alleluia.
The LORD gives sight to the blind;
the LORD raises up those who were bowed down.
The LORD loves the just;
the LORD protects strangers.
R. Blessed are the poor in spirit; the kingdom of heaven is theirs!
or:
R. Alleluia.
The fatherless and the widow the LORD sustains,
but the way of the wicked he thwarts.
The LORD shall reign forever;
your God, O Zion, through all generations. Alleluia.
R. Blessed are the poor in spirit; the kingdom of heaven is theirs!
or:
R. Alleluia.
2nd Reading: 1 Corinthians
Consider your own calling, brothers and sisters.
Not many of you were wise by human standards,
not many were powerful,
not many were of noble birth.
Rather, God chose the foolish of the world to shame the wise,
and God chose the weak of the world to shame the strong,
and God chose the lowly and despised of the world,
those who count for nothing,
to reduce to nothing those who are something,
so that no human being might boast before God.
It is due to him that you are in Christ Jesus,
who became for us wisdom from God,
as well as righteousness, sanctification, and redemption,
so that, as it is written,
"Whoever boasts, should boast in the Lord."
Not many of you were wise by human standards,
not many were powerful,
not many were of noble birth.
Rather, God chose the foolish of the world to shame the wise,
and God chose the weak of the world to shame the strong,
and God chose the lowly and despised of the world,
those who count for nothing,
to reduce to nothing those who are something,
so that no human being might boast before God.
It is due to him that you are in Christ Jesus,
who became for us wisdom from God,
as well as righteousness, sanctification, and redemption,
so that, as it is written,
"Whoever boasts, should boast in the Lord."
Verse Before the Gospel
Christians, to the Paschal Victim
Offer your thankful praises!
A Lamb the sheep redeems.
Christ, who only is sinless,
Reconciles sinners to the Father.
Death and life have contended in that combat stupendous:
The prince of life, who died, reigns immortal.
Speak, Mary, declaring
What you saw, wayfaring.
“The tomb of Christ, who is living,
The glory of Jesus’ resurrection.
bright angels attesting,
The shroud and napkin resting.
Yes, Christ my hope arises.
to Galilee he goes before you.”
Christ indeed from death is risen, our new life obtaining.
Have mercy, victor King, ever reigning!
Amen. Alleluia.
Offer your thankful praises!
A Lamb the sheep redeems.
Christ, who only is sinless,
Reconciles sinners to the Father.
Death and life have contended in that combat stupendous:
The prince of life, who died, reigns immortal.
Speak, Mary, declaring
What you saw, wayfaring.
“The tomb of Christ, who is living,
The glory of Jesus’ resurrection.
bright angels attesting,
The shroud and napkin resting.
Yes, Christ my hope arises.
to Galilee he goes before you.”
Christ indeed from death is risen, our new life obtaining.
Have mercy, victor King, ever reigning!
Amen. Alleluia.
Gospel: Mathew
When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain,
and after he had sat down, his disciples came to him.
He began to teach them, saying:
"Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are they who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the land.
Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the clean of heart,
for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you
and utter every kind of evil against you falsely because of me.
Rejoice and be glad,
for your reward will be great in heaven."
and after he had sat down, his disciples came to him.
He began to teach them, saying:
"Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are they who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the land.
Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the clean of heart,
for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you
and utter every kind of evil against you falsely because of me.
Rejoice and be glad,
for your reward will be great in heaven."
Prayer
St. John's Parish:
Prayer Needs & Intentions
Please remember the following needs and intentions in your prayers:
- Please pray for my son that he soon sees his 2 kids. And please prayer for his health while he is going through these hard times. (Christine M)
- Please pray for my family. (Katie D)
- Please pray for my son MS’s good health. Lord, please bless him, grant him good health and long life. I am ever indebted to you. (Paimd)
- work situation (Kassandra R Tristan)
- Good morning,
I am asking for prayers for Maddox, to be open to Gods wisdom and direction.
For inner peace, positivity, and for great mental and physical health.
Thank you. Read More (pamstan j) - Prayers for my family members physical and emotional health to improve. (Janice A)
- Pray for my family & friends🙏🏻 (Karen S)
- Special prayer (George V)
- Please pray that many, many men of all ages will attend the Catholic Men’s Conference this year. (Todd J)
- Please pray the entire family as conflict, pain, strife, emotional upset continue 10 fold in our household! It’s takes a village and it appears we have no village!
Please pray for our daughter and her health, WORK AND SCHOOL intentions
Please pray for our grandchildren , Alex and Elena
Please pray for Elena as she prepares FIRST Reconciliation Read More (Zandra V) - Please bless my two grandchildren and all the children making their first reconciliation next weekend (Paul & Paulette C)
- Hailey safe return / mom’s soul in Heaven (Artie L)
- Please pray that Madeleine will have successful surgery to remove her cancer. (Charles L)
- Please pray for my family’s health and safety, for peace in our country and for dealing with difficult times. Thank you (Anne L)
- That my good fortune be real and my family be happy (Joanne J)
- Please pray for my son that he manages his depression, finds work and thrives. (Lisa L)
- Please pray for Lily's health. And a full recovery for Jane G. (Jane Horuzek O)
- For Matteo Gallagher and Trisha P (Mrezuke)
- For forgiveness, reconciliation and peace within the family (Pamela J)
- A prayer of thanks for Rita's successful operation and that she have effective recovery as painless as possible and all blessings. Also, please pray for Katie Chapman in North Carolina, who needs a lung transplant which the VA has denied, and for her mom and all the Smith and others who are at risk from the second Atlantic storm today and tomorrow, many of them already being without power and having been so for many, many days. Read More (JAMES C)
- for my dad on the 26th anniversary of his death today, my mom and Bride Norman, who was like a second mother to me and my sisters., And all their families still living and deceased. Thank you very much. (JAMES C)
- Please pray for the health and intentions of Jeff Parson in my personal health. Thank you. (Steve S)
- Prayers for my Brother Bernie Fitzpatrick, My Stepchildren for the Loss of their Mother Imp Sylvester David Sylvester, Jane Lyons, Nichole Lyons and Ryler. My Health My Family. My Friends, My Neighbors, the County, the World (C. Patricia S)
- Please pray for my health and the health of family and friends! Thanks. (Barbara K)
- Daughter in laws health (Ruth)
- For Charlie , Janet , Larry , little Henry for all those suffering down South in Mississippi and Min (Martha L)
- Rest in Peace Linda Mulhearn, Rev. David Gill, SJ, Richard Sliney and Grace Scanlon. (Donna W)
- Praying for improved health for Sharon R, Barbara L, Dorothy H, Mary O, Betty Y, Barbara M, Denise R, Helen P, Kate M, Bob R, Anita M, Ed V, Bill R, Bob K, Earle M, MaryAnn/Bob H, Andrea C, Susan M, Joe C, Ellie W, Margaret R, Mary T, Frank M, Jane S, Judy H, Michael R, Cathy L, Sr. Francis M, Sr. Marna R, Paul R, Bobby H, Dana S, Theresa/Kenn C, Diane/Phil M, Ann Marie W, Marion P, Doreen G, Kerri D, Laura T, Rich H, Mary M, Dave H, Bill B and Gene G. Read More (Donna W)
- Please pray for my daughter's health. (Carol H)
- Please pray for my family. Thank you (Kerri N)
- Please pray for good test results and good health for my daughter, thank you (Maryann C)
To share a prayer request or intention in the Sunday Reflection, please click the REPLY button at the bottom of the Saturday morning Prayer Intentions email and post it in the comments.
Act of Spiritual Communion
by St. Alphonsus de Liguori
My Jesus, I believe that You are present in the Most Holy Sacrament.
I love You above all things, and I desire to receive You into my soul.
Since I cannot at this moment receive You sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. I embrace You as if You were already there and unite myself wholly to You.
Never permit me to be separated from You. Amen.
Our Common Prayer
O God, whose Only Begotten Son bore the weight of human suffering for our salvation, hear the prayers of your Church for all our brothers and sisters in need and deliver us from our trials. Open our ears and our hearts to the voice of your Son:
"Be not afraid, for I am with you always."
Bless all those working for the common good; give us the wisdom to do what is right and the faith to endure this hour,
that, trusting in your loving protection,
we might see the end of our struggles
and rejoice in your mercy.
Through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel
by Pope Leo XIII
St. Michael the Archangel,
defend us in battle.
defend us in battle.
Be our defense against
the wickedness and snares of the Devil.
May God rebuke him, we humbly pray,
and do thou,
and do thou,
O Prince of the heavenly hosts,
by the power of God,
by the power of God,
thrust into hell Satan,
and all the evil spirits,
who prowl about the world
seeking the ruin of souls.
and all the evil spirits,
who prowl about the world
seeking the ruin of souls.
Amen.
PRAYER PLEDGE
Join the team of St. John's parishioners pledging to pray daily
for the religious education and spiritual formation of our young people
In this challenging time our commitment to praying for our youth is more necessary than ever. Without prayer we cannot hope to transmit the riches of our Catholic faith to the next generation; join us as we lift our voices to God and ask for His blessing upon our efforts to teach our young people to become disciples of Christ.
We welcome you to pray a daily prayer of your own choosing, or to use the "Prayer for St. John's Religious Education" below. 👇
Prayer for St. John's Religious Education
Most gracious Lord, we ask your blessing upon the Religious Education program of our beloved parish of St. John’s. Please allow Your love and grace to flow freely and permeate the hearts and souls of our students and their families. Holy Spirit allow your gifts of Wisdom, Knowledge, and Piety to flourish in our Catechists as they pass on the teachings of Your Church to our students. Bless our volunteers for their generosity and loyalty which keeps our program operating properly. St. Joseph, intercede for our parents in this time so that they will recognize and accept their role as leaders of the Domestic Church.
We praise and honor you our Triune God, Father, Son and Spirit. Amen
St. Charles Borromeo, patron of catechists, pray for us.
St. Gemma Galgani, patron of students, pray for us.
Parish Resources
For our St. John's family
Online Giving
Safe, secure, online giving
available through our eCatholic website
