Sunday Seeds
Sunday, 31 January 2027

4th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Gospel: Mark 1:21–28

“He taught them as one having authority.” Mark 1:22

Liturgical colour: Green
Jesus Teaches with Power: worksheet for age 6
for age 6
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Jesus Sets a Man Free: worksheet for age 4
for age 4
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For grown-ups

This Sunday Moses promises that God will raise up a prophet to speak His words, and in Mark’s Gospel Jesus is that voice. He teaches in the synagogue at Capernaum, and the people are amazed, because He speaks with real authority. Even the unclean spirit must obey Him. The Psalm gives us our part in a single line: “Harden not your hearts.”

Family life is full of other voices: screens, schedules, the noise of a busy day. Young children’s hearts are often wonderfully open, and our job is to help keep them that way by making small spaces to listen. It might be a quiet minute at bedtime, or the car ride with the radio off. Jesus’ words can be trusted, so we can gently teach our children to listen for Him, and to believe that He is stronger than whatever frightens them, even the worries that show up at night.

Dinner-table questions

  1. Who helps you learn about Jesus?
  2. How do you think the people felt when they heard Jesus teach?
  3. What can we do to keep our ears and hearts ready to listen to God?
This week’s family practice: Before bedtime this week, turn off the screens and sit together for one quiet minute. Then each say, “Speak, Lord, I’m listening,” and share one thing you heard or noticed that day.

This Sunday’s readings

First reading
Deuteronomy 18:15–20
Psalm
Psalm 95 — O that today you would listen to His voice! Harden not your hearts.
Second reading
1 Corinthians 7:32–35
Gospel
Mark 1:21–28