Jesus Lord of Sabbath & St Sabastian – Jan 20 – Homily – Fr Joseph Michael
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Fr Joseph Michael gives the homily at Bloomington, IN, on Jan 20, 2026, explaining how Jesus, as Lord of the Sabbath, teaches that mercy and love supersede strict laws, especially in cases of need like hunger, and honors St. Sebastian as a model of courageous faith witness.
In his homily, Father highlights Jesus' divine authority in redefining the Sabbath not as a burden but as a source of rest, renewal, and closeness to God, emphasizing that mercy triumphs over rigid observance, such as allowing work to satisfy hunger. He connects this to our Sunday celebrations, where we rejoice in Christ's resurrection, avoid unnecessary labor, and focus on Mass, prayer, and spiritual refreshment to prepare for the week with greater zeal. Father also commemorates St. Sebastian, a Roman soldier martyred around 288 AD, who boldly converted pagans to Christianity despite persecution, surviving arrows only to be clubbed to death later. St. Sebastian exemplifies unwavering courage in sharing the Gospel, inspiring us to witness our faith daily through example.
Catechism of the Catholic Church - Sabbath as day of rest - http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/p3s2c1a3.htm#I
Catechism of the Catholic Church - Mercy in moral law - http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/p3s1c3a1.htm#1953
Catechism of the Catholic Church - Evangelization and witness - http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/p123a9p4.htm#905
Mark 2:23-28 - Disciples pluck grain Sabbath - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/mark/2?23
Mark 3:1-6 - Healing on Sabbath - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/mark/3?1
Exodus 20:8-11 - Commandment to keep Sabbath - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/exodus/20?8
Franciscan Media - St. Sebastian biography - https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-sebastian/
Ave Maria!
Mass: St. Sebastian - Opt Mem - http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=103
Readings: Tuesday 2nd Week of Ordinary Time - http://usccb.org/bible/readings/012026.cfm
1st: 1sa 16:1-13
Resp: psa 89:20-22, 27-28
Gsp: mar 2:23-28
More on the Readings: https://airmaria.com/r?m=1901&r=1572
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