Saturday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time 1st Reading – 2 Samuel 1:1-4, 11-12, 19, 23-27 David returned from his defeat of the Amalekites and spent two days in Ziklag. On the third day a man came from Saul’s camp, with his clothes torn and dirt on his head. Going to David, he fell to the ground in homage. David asked him, “Where do you come from?” He replied, “I have escaped from the camp of the children of Israel.” “Tell me what happened,” David bade him. He answered that many of the soldiers had fled the battle and that many of them had fallen and were dead, among them Saul and his son Jonathan. David seized his garments and rent them, and all the men who were with him did likewise. They mourned and wept and fasted until evening for Saul and his son Jonathan, and for the soldiers of the LORD of the clans of Israel, because they had fallen by the sword. “Alas! the glory of Israel, Saul, slain upon your heights; how can the warriors have fallen! “Saul and Jonathan, beloved and cherished, separated neither in life nor in death, swifter than eagles, stronger than lions! Women of Israel, weep over Saul, who clothed you in scarlet and in finery, who decked your attire with ornaments of gold. “How can the warriors have fallen in the thick of the battle, slain upon your heights! “I grieve for you, Jonathan my brother! most dear have you been to me; more precious have I held love for you than love for women. “How can the warriors have fallen, the weapons of war have perished!” Responsorial Psalm – Psalms 80:2-3, 5-7 R.  Let us see your face, Lord, and we shall be saved. O shepherd of Israel, hearken,O guide of the flock of Joseph!From your throne upon the cherubim, shine forthbefore Ephraim, Benjamin and Manasseh.Rouse your power,and come to save us. R. Let us see your face, Lord, and we shall be saved. O LORD of hosts, how long will you burn with angerwhile your people pray?You have fed them with the bread of tearsand given them tears to drink in ample measure.You have left us to be fought over by our neighbors,and our enemies mock us. R. Let us see your face, Lord, and we shall be saved.   Alleluia – SEE Acts 16:14B R. Alleluia, alleluia.Open our hearts, O Lord,to listen to the words of your Son.R. Alleluia, alleluia   Gospel – Mark 3:20-21 Jesus came with his disciples into the house. Again the crowd gathered,making it impossible for them even to eat. When his relatives heard of this they set out to seize him, for they said, “He is out of his mind.” Today's Readings Homilies

By Courtney Mares Catholic News Agency January 18, 2024 ROME— Pope Francis amended the Vatican’s financial regulations on Tuesday, enshrining a spending limit into law that requires Vatican offices to get permission before making large purchases. The pope published two apostolic letters — which the Holy Father issued motu proprio (“on his own impulse”) — on Jan. 16 that make changes to some of Francis’ former financial reform laws from June 2020, updating them to align with the 2021 apostolic constitution Praedicate Evangelium, the pope’s signature reform of the organization and structure of the Roman Curia. The first motu proprio, titled “On the Limits and Modalities of Ordinary Administration,” requires Vatican offices to get approval from the Secretariat of the Economy for purchases over 2% of their total annual operating budget. The motu proprio adds that purchases under 150,000 euros do not require approval. The Secretariat for the Economy oversees the financial aspects of both the Roman Curia and the Vatican City State administration, including a review of financial reports. The secretariat was established by Pope Francis in 2014 as part of his financial reform of the Vatican. The law grants the Secretariat for the Economy 30 days to notify the Vatican offices whether the request has been approved, adding that “the lack of response is equivalent to the granting of the request.” The second motu proprio consists of more than 90 articles and includes Vatican regulations on procurements, or the process of acquiring and purchasing goods and services. Pope Francis wrote in his introduction to the second motu proprio that he was updating regulations in light of “the experience gained in recent years” to allow for a “more effective application” of Vatican financial reforms with the goal of “continuing on the path undertaken to promote transparency, control, and competition in the procedures for the awarding of public contracts.” The amended regulations include a provision that the sustainable use of internal funds, transparency in the procurement process, and equal treatment among bidders all take place “in accordance with the principles of the social doctrine of the Church, the canonical order of the Holy See and Vatican City State, and the encyclical letter Laudato Si’,” codifying compliance with Pope Francis’ landmark environmental encyclical into the law. Pope Francis signed the motu proprio on procurements on Nov. 27, 2023, in St. Peter’s Basilica and the letter on extraordinary spending more recently on Jan. 6 from the Vatican. DONATE TO CBCP NEWS CBCPNews is a church-based news agency operated by the Media Office of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines.  This apostolate aims at helping the work of the new evangelization through the news media.  This is non-commercial and non-profit.  That being the case, it totally depends on generosity of its readers and supporters. Should you wish to donate kindly press the donate button.  Thank you.  

Friday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time 1st Reading – 1 Samuel 24:3-21 Saul took three thousand picked men from all Israel and went in search of David and his men in the direction of the wild goat crags. When he came to the sheepfolds along the way, he found a cave, which he entered to relieve himself. David and his men were occupying the inmost recesses of the cave. David’s servants said to him, “This is the day of which the LORD said to you, ‘I will deliver your enemy into your grasp; do with him as you see fit.’” So David moved up and stealthily cut off an end of Saul’s mantle. Afterward, however, David regretted that he had cut off an end of Saul’s mantle. He said to his men, “The LORD forbid that I should do such a thing to my master, the LORD’s anointed, as to lay a hand on him, for he is the LORD’s anointed.” With these words David restrained his men and would not permit them to attack Saul. Saul then left the cave and went on his way. David also stepped out of the cave, calling to Saul, “My lord the king!” When Saul looked back, David bowed to the ground in homage and asked Saul: “Why do you listen to those who say, ‘David is trying to harm you’? You see for yourself today that the Lord just now delivered you into my grasp in the cave. I had some thought of killing you, but I took pity on you instead. I decided, ‘I will not raise a hand against my lord, for he is the LORD’s anointed and a father to me.’ Look here at this end of your mantle which I hold. Since I cut off an end of your mantle and did not kill you, see and be convinced that I plan no harm and no rebellion. I have done you no wrong, though you are hunting me down to take my life. The LORD will judge between me and you, and the LORD will exact justice from you in my case. I shall not touch you. The old proverb says, ‘From the wicked comes forth wickedness.’ So I will take no action against you. Against whom are you on campaign, O king of Israel? Whom are you pursuing? A dead dog, or a single flea! The LORD will be the judge; he will decide between me and you. May he see this, and take my part, and grant me justice beyond your reach!” When David finished saying these things to Saul, Saul answered, “Is that your voice, my son David?” And Saul wept aloud. Saul then said to David: “You are in the right rather than I; you have treated me generously, while I have done you harm. Great is the generosity you showed me today, when the LORD delivered me into your grasp and you did not kill me. For if a man meets his

Bishop Ruperto Santos of Antipolo. DIOCESE OF ANTIPOLO/FACEBOOK By CBCP News January 18, 2024 Manila, Philippines A Catholic bishop has asked for prayers for the safe release of the 18 Filipino seafarers on board the seized oil tanker, ST Nikolas, in the Gulf of Oman last week. Bishop Ruperto Santos of Antipolo said they are praying for a peaceful resolution to the disagreement between Iran and the United States that would lead to the release of the seized tanker and its crew members. “We place our trust in God’s miraculous love for peace, diplomatic settlements, and to soften the hearts of those who hold the oil tanker,” said Santos, who is also the CBCP Bishop Promoter of the Stella Maris Philippines. “May each one respect life, promote common good, and protect individual rights and welfare,” he said. The bishop said that they are also one with the families of the 18 seafarers in facing the challenge of their loved ones being held captive. He also said that they have already called for Masses to be offered for the safety of the seafarers. “We are one and united with those families. We urge them to be strong and lift up everyone and everything to God. Be strong. Hold on to God. Pray with us,” said the prelate. “We offer our Holy Masses for you and your loved ones,” he added. Earlier, Iran seized the Marshall Islands-flagged vessel while it was in transit between the Iraqi port of Basra and Turkey. At the time of the seizure, 18 Filipino seafarers were on board the oil tanker. DONATE TO CBCP NEWS CBCPNews is a church-based news agency operated by the Media Office of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines.  This apostolate aims at helping the work of the new evangelization through the news media.  This is non-commercial and non-profit.  That being the case, it totally depends on generosity of its readers and supporters. Should you wish to donate kindly press the donate button.  Thank you.  

Authorities at the scene of the explosion at Mindanao State University in Marawi, Dec. 3, 2023. PHOTO FROM LANAO DEL SUR PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT By CBCP News January 18, 2024 Manila, Philippines Muslim and Christian leaders met this week in a display of interreligious unity more than a month after a deadly bombing rocked a Catholic Mass at a university in the southern city of Marawi. In deploring the Dec. 3 attack that claimed four lives, they asserted that the killing of innocent civilians and religious believers is a “demonic act” that must be “condemned by the teachings of every religion in the world.” “The killing of innocent civilians by terrorists under the guise of religion is a condemnable and cruel irreligious act that defiantly contradicts both Muslims and Christian beliefs,” they said in a statement. As religious leaders, they have agreed to be “pro-active against similar terrorist acts” by imparting the true teachings of their religious traditions and sacred scriptures—the Qur’an and the Bible—to their followers. The way of interreligious dialogue is one of the most effective ways of establishing a culture of peace, mutual respect and understanding among peoples of different faiths in the Bangsamoro and the whole country in general,” they added. The meeting took place on Jan. 16 to 17 in Cotabato City, which was also in commemoration of the 10th anniversary of the Jan. 24 Peace Day. In attendance were 11 Muslim and seven Christian religious leaders in Mindanao, together with Presidential Peace Adviser Sec. Carlito Galvez Jr. Among the signatories of the statement titled ‘Religions are for Peace’ were Dr. Muhammad Nadzir Ebil, an Islamic Jurist from the Bangsamoro Darul-Ifta; Emran Mohamad, the executive director of Bangsamoro Darul-Ifta; Cardinal Orlando Quevedo, the archbishop emeritus of Cotabato; Archbishop Angelito Lampon of Cotabato; Bishop Edwin Dela Peña of Marawi; and Archbishop Emeritus Antonio Ledesma of Cagayan de Oro. DONATE TO CBCP NEWS CBCPNews is a church-based news agency operated by the Media Office of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines.  This apostolate aims at helping the work of the new evangelization through the news media.  This is non-commercial and non-profit.  That being the case, it totally depends on generosity of its readers and supporters. Should you wish to donate kindly press the donate button.  Thank you.  

Thursday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time 1st Reading – 1 Samuel 18:6-9; 19:1-7 When David and Saul approached (on David’s return after slaying the Philistine), women came out from each of the cities of Israel to meet King Saul, singing and dancing, with tambourines, joyful songs, and sistrums. The women played and sang: “Saul has slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands.” Saul was very angry and resentful of the song, for he thought: “They give David ten thousands, but only thousands to me. All that remains for him is the kingship.” And from that day on, Saul was jealous of David. Saul discussed his intention of killing David with his son Jonathan and with all his servants. But Saul’s son Jonathan, who was very fond of David, told him: “My father Saul is trying to kill you. Therefore, please be on your guard tomorrow morning; get out of sight and remain in hiding. I, however, will go out and stand beside my father in the countryside where you are, and will speak to him about you. If I learn anything, I will let you know.” Jonathan then spoke well of David to his father Saul, saying to him: “Let not your majesty sin against his servant David, for he has committed no offense against you, but has helped you very much by his deeds. When he took his life in his hands and slew the Philistine, and the LORD brought about a great victory for all Israel through him, you were glad to see it. Why, then, should you become guilty of shedding innocent blood by killing David without cause?” Saul heeded Jonathan’s plea and swore, “As the LORD lives, he shall not be killed.” So Jonathan summoned David and repeated the whole conversation to him. Jonathan then brought David to Saul, and David served him as before.   Responsorial Psalm – Psalms 56:2-3, 9-10A, 10B-11, 12-13 R. In God I trust; I shall not fear. Have mercy on me, O God, for men trample upon me;all the day they press their attack against me.My adversaries trample upon me all the day;yes, many fight against me. R. In God I trust; I shall not fear. My wanderings you have counted;my tears are stored in your flask;are they not recorded in your book?Then do my enemies turn back,when I call upon you. R. In God I trust; I shall not fear. Now I know that God is with me.In God, in whose promise I glory,in God I trust without fear;what can flesh do against me? R. In God I trust; I shall not fear. I am bound, O God, by vows to you;your thank offerings I will fulfill.For you have rescued me from death,my feet, too, from stumbling;that I may walk before God in the light of the living. R. In God I trust; I shall not fear.   Alleluia – 2 Timothy 1:10 R. Alleluia, alleluia.Our Savior Jesus Christ has destroyed deathand brought life to light

By CBCP News January 17, 2024 Manila, Philippines Honoring nine lay Catholics with papal awards, Cardinal Jose Advincula of Manila prayed that they may be “models to inspire others to follow the path of love and service”. During a Mass at the Manila Cathedral on Wednesday, the cardinal bestowed the Cross Pro Ecclesia Et Pontifice upon Ramon del Rosario Jr, Manuel Pangilinan, Fernando Zobel de Ayala, Maria Goolsby, and Arnulfo Veridico. Ayala Corp.’s Zobel, Metro Pacific Investment Corp.’s Pangilinan, PHINMA’s Del Rosario are part of the board of trustees of Caritas Manila. UnionBank’s Goolsby and Veridico, meanwhile, are long-time supporters of the archdiocese’s social action arm. The same recognition, the highest papal award for laity, was conferred upon Roselina Quismundo, Elmer Sy, Tomasita Lim, and Corazon Rodriguez from the Parish and Archdiocesan Shrine of Saint Joseph in Manila’s Sta. Cruz district. Bestowing the awards, the cardinal paid tribute to the awardees for being the archdiocese’s “long time partners in the mission and collaborators in evangelization”. “And, unworthy as I am, in the name of our Holy Father Pope Francis and the Church of Manila, we thank you for your commitment to the teachings of the Church and for your selfless service, which has touched the lives of many, leaving indelible marks on those you have served,” Advincula said in his homily. The cardinal, however, said that the award does not mean that they can retire from the services they provide. On the contrary, he said it means that they must continue the work they have done “and do even more.” “You are sent to look for many opportunities to do good for others and to make more of our brothers and sisters feel God’s care, compassion, healing and love through you,” Advincula added. Addressing the lay faithful in general, he encouraged them to emulate Jesus “who does good to anyone in need anytime and anywhere”. “Like them, the Lord also invites each one of us, unworthy as we are, to be His hands that serve and care, His feet that run to attend to those in need, His mouth that proclaims his Good News, and His heart that beats compassion and love,” he said. The Cross Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice medal, first issued in 1888 by Pope Leo XIII, features a gold Greek cross with the images of apostles Peter and Paul and the name of the reigning pope in Latin. DONATE TO CBCP NEWS CBCPNews is a church-based news agency operated by the Media Office of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines.  This apostolate aims at helping the work of the new evangelization through the news media.  This is non-commercial and non-profit.  That being the case, it totally depends on generosity of its readers and supporters. Should you wish to donate kindly press the donate button.  Thank you.  

Memorial of Saint Anthony, Abbot 1st Reading – 1 Samuel 17:32-33, 37, 40-51 David spoke to Saul: “Let your majesty not lose courage. I am at your service to go and fight this Philistine.” But Saul answered David, “You cannot go up against this Philistine and fight with him, for you are only a youth, while he has been a warrior from his youth.” David continued: “The LORD, who delivered me from the claws of the lion and the bear, will also keep me safe from the clutches of this Philistine.” Saul answered David, “Go! the LORD will be with you.” Then, staff in hand, David selected five smooth stones from the wadi and put them in the pocket of his shepherd’s bag. With his sling also ready to hand, he approached the Philistine. With his shield bearer marching before him, the Philistine also advanced closer and closer to David. When he had sized David up, and seen that he was youthful, and ruddy, and handsome in appearance, the Philistine held David in contempt. The Philistine said to David, “Am I a dog that you come against me with a staff?” Then the Philistine cursed David by his gods and said to him, “Come here to me, and I will leave your flesh for the birds of the air and the beasts of the field.” David answered him: “You come against me with sword and spear and scimitar, but I come against you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel that you have insulted. Today the LORD shall deliver you into my hand; I will strike you down and cut off your head. This very day I will leave your corpse and the corpses of the Philistine army for the birds of the air and the beasts of the field; thus the whole land shall learn that Israel has a God. All this multitude, too, shall learn that it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves. For the battle is the LORD’s and he shall deliver you into our hands.” The Philistine then moved to meet David at close quarters, while David ran quickly toward the battle line in the direction of the Philistine. David put his hand into the bag and took out a stone, hurled it with the sling, and struck the Philistine on the forehead. The stone embedded itself in his brow, and he fell prostrate on the ground. Thus David overcame the Philistine with sling and stone; he struck the Philistine mortally, and did it without a sword. Then David ran and stood over him; with the Philistine’s own sword which he drew from its sheath he dispatched him and cut off his head.   Responsorial Psalm – Psalms 144:1B, 2, 9-10 R. Blessed be the Lord, my Rock! Blessed be the LORD, my rock,who trains my hands for battle, my fingers for war. R. Blessed be the Lord, my Rock! My refuge and my fortress,my

Devotees venerate a relic of Saint Padre Pio at his national shrine in Sto. Tomas Batangas on Jan. 13, 2024. CBCP NEWS By CBCP News January 15, 2024 Manila, Philippines A national shrine dedicated to Saint Padre Pio in Batangas province, south of Manila, is aspiring to attain international stature, according to a new book. The book released Jan. 13 is titled “Enlarging the Space of our Tent,” and published by the Archdiocese of Lipa. It stated that a concrete manifestation of the archdiocese’s efforts “to enlarge its tent” is the Parish and National Shrine of Saint Padre Pio located in Sto. Tomas town. “This dream reflects the archdiocese’s desire to extend its influence far beyond its local and immediate surroundings and welcome people of diverse cultures and nationalities to experience the spiritual richness it offers,” part of the book read. The shrine, it added, “seeks to serve as a beacon of unity, drawing followers from far and wide to participate in its solemn religious ceremonies of worship and healing, and share in the collective faith journey.” Since the establishment of the parish in 2003, the declaration of the church as an archdiocesan shrine in 2008, and its recognition as a national shrine in 2015, hundreds of thousands of pilgrims have come to this place to seek blessings from God through the intercession of St. Padre Pio. The shrine also houses several first-class relics of the Italian saint, who spent most of his life in a monastery in southern Italy. Known for his stigmata and gift of healing, Padre Pio is one of the most revered saints of the 20th century. When his heart relic was brought to the shrine in 2018, hundreds of thousands of people trooped to the place of worship to pay homage to the saint. Designation of an international shrine is approved by the Vatican as a sacred place for divine worship for the universal Church. The country currently has one international shrine dedicated to Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage, located in Antipolo City. Its new status will be formally conferred during a Mass to be presided over by Archbishop Charles Brown, the Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines, on Jan. 26. DONATE TO CBCP NEWS CBCPNews is a church-based news agency operated by the Media Office of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines.  This apostolate aims at helping the work of the new evangelization through the news media.  This is non-commercial and non-profit.  That being the case, it totally depends on generosity of its readers and supporters. Should you wish to donate kindly press the donate button.  Thank you.  

Tuesday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time 1st Reading – 1 Samuel 16:1-13 The LORD said to Samuel: “How long will you grieve for Saul, whom I have rejected as king of Israel? Fill your horn with oil, and be on your way. I am sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem, for I have chosen my king from among his sons.” But Samuel replied: “How can I go? Saul will hear of it and kill me.” To this the LORD answered: “Take a heifer along and say, ‘I have come to sacrifice to the LORD.’ Invite Jesse to the sacrifice, and I myself will tell you what to do; you are to anoint for me the one I point out to you.” Samuel did as the LORD had commanded him. When he entered Bethlehem, the elders of the city came trembling to meet him and inquired, “Is your visit peaceful, O seer?” He replied: “Yes! I have come to sacrifice to the LORD. So cleanse yourselves and join me today for the banquet.” He also had Jesse and his sons cleanse themselves and invited them to the sacrifice. As they came, he looked at Eliab and thought, “Surely the LORD’s anointed is here before him.” But the LORD said to Samuel: “Do not judge from his appearance or from his lofty stature, because I have rejected him. Not as man sees does God see, because he sees the appearance but the LORD looks into the heart.” Then Jesse called Abinadab and presented him before Samuel, who said, “The LORD has not chosen him.” Next Jesse presented Shammah, but Samuel said, “The LORD has not chosen this one either.” In the same way Jesse presented seven sons before Samuel, but Samuel said to Jesse, “The LORD has not chosen any one of these.” Then Samuel asked Jesse, “Are these all the sons you have?” Jesse replied, “There is still the youngest, who is tending the sheep.” Samuel said to Jesse, “Send for him; we will not begin the sacrificial banquet until he arrives here.”12 Jesse sent and had the young man brought to them. He was ruddy, a youth handsome to behold and making a splendid appearance. The LORD said, “There anoint him, for this is he!” Then Samuel, with the horn of oil in hand, anointed him in the midst of his brothers; and from that day on, the Spirit of the LORD rushed upon David. When Samuel took his leave, he went to Ramah.   Responsorial Psalm – Psalms 89:20, 21-22, 27-28 R.  I have found David, my servant. Once you spoke in a vision,and to your faithful ones you said:“On a champion I have placed a crown;over the people I have set a youth.” R. I have found David, my servant. “I have found David, my servant;with my holy oil I have anointed him,That my hand may be always with him,and that my arm may make him strong.” R. I have found David, my servant. “He shall