MONTHLY DEVOTIONAL FOR 12 JANUARY
January 12, 2026
FEAST OF SAINT HILARY OF POITIERS – 13th JANUARY
January 13, 2026
TODAY’S GOSPEL READING
12 JANUARY, 2026
Mark 1:14-20
After John had been arrested,
Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the Gospel of God:
“This is the time of fulfillment.
The Kingdom of God is at hand.
Repent, and believe in the Gospel.”
As he passed by the Sea of Galilee,
he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting their nets into the sea;
they were fishermen.
Jesus said to them,
“Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.”
Then they left their nets and followed him.
He walked along a little farther
and saw James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John.
They too were in a boat mending their nets.
Then he called them.
So they left their father Zebedee in the boat
along with the hired men and followed him.
THE GOSPEL OF THE LORD!
REFLECTION
In this passage, Jesus begins His public ministry with a clear and urgent proclamation: “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.” These words are not merely an announcement but an invitation to transformation. Jesus calls people to turn away from old ways of thinking and living, and to open their hearts to God’s reign breaking into ordinary life. The kingdom is not distant or abstract; it is present in the person of Jesus, calling for a response here and now.
As Jesus walks by the Sea of Galilee, He calls Simon, Andrew, James, and John—ordinary fishermen immersed in daily labor. His call is simple yet demanding: “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of people.” Remarkably, they respond immediately, leaving nets, boats, and even family behind. Their readiness shows that encountering Jesus reorders priorities. Following Him means trusting that life with Him is greater than the security of what we already know.
This passage invites us to examine our own response to Jesus’ call. We may not leave fishing nets, but we are asked to let go of whatever binds us—fear, comfort, self-reliance, or hesitation. Discipleship is not only about believing in Jesus but about walking after Him daily, allowing Him to shape our purpose and mission. Like the first disciples, we are called to follow, to trust, and to participate in God’s work of drawing others into His love.
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, You proclaim that the time is fulfilled and that Your kingdom is near. Open our hearts to truly hear Your call and to respond with faith and repentance. Free us from anything that keeps us tied to old ways and prevents us from following You fully.
Give us the courage of the first disciples, who left what was familiar to walk with You. Teach us to trust Your promise that life with You transforms who we are and what we are meant to do. Shape us into instruments of Your love and truth in the world.
As we follow You each day, renew our commitment to Your Gospel. May our lives reflect the nearness of Your kingdom, and may others come to know Your mercy through our words and actions. We ask this in Your holy name. Amen
