Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

January 25, 2026

GOSPEL MEDITATION

I was 22 years old, lying in bed one night while on a pilgrimage, when I suddenly sensed an idea in my mind: “Go to the seminary.” There was no voice, no vision, but a gentle and unmistakable clarity. I simply prayed, “Lord, if that’s from you, let me find great joy in it.” Three days later, my heart was bursting with joy. I dropped everything and entered the seminary. The older I get, the stranger my rather careless and hasty departure seems to me. I followed not because it made sense, or because I was especially brave. I went because the Lord called me.

Something like this happens in today’s Gospel. Jesus walks by Simon, Andrew, James, and John and says, “Come after me” (Matthew 4:19). And immediately they leave their nets and follow. There’s no explanation, no hesitation … just movement. Why? As St. John says, “In this is love: not that we have loved God, but that he loved us” (1 John 4:10). They do not leave their nets because his call made perfect, calculable sense. They left them because they were called. And Jesus’ call is powerful.

Take a moment this week to remember when Christ first called you. However small or quiet it was, recall it, and give thanks. The more we marvel that Christ has called us personally, the more passionately and freely we will follow him.
- Father John Muir

PRO-LIFE CORNER

“He who passively accepts evil is as much involved in it as he who helps to perpetuate it. He who accepts evil without protesting against it is really cooperating with it.”
- Martin Luther King, Jr.

THE 61ST ANNUAL NOVENA IN HONOR OF THE MOST SACRED HEART OF JESUS

Mark your calendars! This year’s novena will begin on Monday, March 16, 2026, and continue through Tuesday, March 24, 2026. The Celebrant for the opening night will be Bishop Mark L. Bartchak, JCD. More information to come.

A FAMILY PERSPECTIVE

When Jesus called his disciples, they came “immediately.” Parents wish their children would respond as quickly, but they don’t. Children grow slowly into responsibility. It is a process like walking, not done “immediately”, but in small steps. Parenting demands patient encouragement
- Bud Ozar

EVERYDAY STEWARDSHIP

Today’s readings remind us that stewardship is not just a thing we do – rather, stewardship is at the core of who we are as disciples of Christ. Our first reading, from Isaiah, contains this prophecy of Christ and what His saving message would mean to all who embrace it. “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom a light has shone.” We are among those blessed people on whom the light of Christ has shone. By virtue of our Baptism, we who were once in the darkness and gloom of original sin have been born again into the great light that is God’s grace in us.

We have become cherished members of God’s family. What a privilege! Yet, with this privilege comes the responsibility to actually live for God and to bring His good News to all those we meet at work, at school, in our community and right in our own home. This is the essence of a stewardship way of life – to be always ready for the ways that our Lord is calling us to bring His light to others. It’s more than something we do – it’s who we are.

Prayer Requests

Kathy Ansman, Mark Blackie, Rod Baronner, Dan Bauer, Dave Bauer, Jack Chilcote, Harry Chirdon, Karen Claar, Brandon Conaway, Shirley Conlon, Denise Conrad, James Conrad, Kathy Corl, William Costlow, Joe DeGennaro Jr., Colette DiMemmo, Margaret Dodson, Tim Dodson, Joan Donnelly, Matthew Dorman, Nate Dorman, Amelia Doughurty, Lois Duncan, Thomas Duncan, Paul Dunmire, Ashley Eagen, Corinda Ermin, Roberta Farabaugh, Herman Frederick, Pat Harpster, Leighton Hess, Lucy Horton, Raymond Kargo, Carol Keagy, Russell Keith, John Kleine, Ruth Lamca, Cyndi Lansberry, Beth Lloyd, Joan Maier, Charles McGrain, Shirley McIntyre, Mason Wayne McManus, Paul Angelo Morelli, Bev Mueller, Bonnie Neal, Jessica Neff, Lee Neff, Kevin O'Rourke, Lucille Parker, Sarah Rihnovich, Nancy Servello, Elizabeth Siglow, Laura Snyder, Bill stauffer, Alex Walter, Margo Wascherl, Joan Weston, Renee Williams, Mikayla Yanchik, Pat Zeak.

If you would like to add a sick or hospitalized person to our prayer list or readd a person, please call the rectory office, at 943-8553. Parishioners of Saint Mary are encouraged and welcome to participate. Remember, you must have the permission of the ill person/family to publish their name.

Sacred Heart Church