MONTHLY DEVOTIONAL FOR 25 JANUARY
January 25, 2026
FEAST OF SAINTS TIMOTHY AND TITUS – 26th JANUARY
January 26, 2026
TODAY’S GOSPEL READING
25 JANUARY, 2026
Matthew 4:12–23
When Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew to Galilee.
He left Nazareth and made his home in Capernaum by the sea,
in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali,
so that what had been spoken through the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled:
“The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali,
toward the sea, across the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles—
the people who sat in darkness have seen a great light,
and for those who sat in the region and shadow of death
light has dawned.”
From that time Jesus began to proclaim, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”
As he walked by the Sea of Galilee,
he saw two brothers, Simon,
who is called Peter, and Andrew
his brother, casting a net into the sea—for they were fishermen.
And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fish for people.” Immediately they left their nets and followed him.
As he went from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John,
in the boat with their father Zebedee, mending their nets, and he called them. Immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed him.
Jesus went throughout Galilee,
teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the good news
of the kingdom and curing every disease and every sickness among the people.
THE GOSPEL OF THE LORD!
REFLECTION
This passage marks the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry. He steps into Galilee, a place often overlooked, and fulfills God’s promise that light would rise where darkness seemed strongest. Jesus’ first message is simple yet demanding: repentance and nearness to God’s kingdom. It is an invitation to change direction and to trust that God is already at work.
The call of the first disciples reveals the heart of discipleship. Jesus calls ordinary people in the middle of their daily labor. Their immediate response—leaving nets, boats, and even family—shows that following Jesus requires courage, trust, and readiness to let go of what feels secure.
Finally, Jesus’ ministry of teaching, proclaiming, and healing shows the fullness of God’s kingdom. Word and action go together. The kingdom is not only spoken about; it is experienced in restoration, hope, and new life.
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, Light of the world,
You come to us in our ordinary places and call us by name.
Give us hearts ready to repent, to turn away from all that keeps us from You,
and to trust in the nearness of Your kingdom.
Grant us the courage to leave behind our “nets”—our fears, habits, and false securities—
and to follow You with generous and willing hearts.
May our lives, like Yours, bring Your healing, hope, and good news to others.
Amen
