MONTHLY DEVOTIONAL FOR 14 JANUARY
January 14, 2026
FEAST OF SAINT PAUL OF THEBES, SAINT ITA OF KILLEEDY – 15th JANUARY
January 15, 2026
TODAY’S GOSPEL READING
14 JANUARY, 2026
Mark 1:29-39
On leaving the synagogue
Jesus entered the house of Simon and Andrew with James and John.
Simon’s mother-in-law lay sick with a fever.
They immediately told him about her.
He approached, grasped her hand, and helped her up.
Then the fever left her and she waited on them.
When it was evening, after sunset,
they brought to him all who were ill or possessed by demons.
The whole town was gathered at the door.
He cured many who were sick with various diseases,
and he drove out many demons,
not permitting them to speak because they knew him.
Rising very early before dawn,
he left and went off to a deserted place, where he prayed.
Simon and those who were with him pursued him
and on finding him said, “Everyone is looking for you.”
He told them, “Let us go on to the nearby villages
that I may preach there also.
For this purpose have I come.”
So he went into their synagogues, preaching and driving out demons
throughout the whole of Galilee.
THE GOSPEL OF THE LORD!
REFLECTION
In today’s Gospel, we see Jesus fully engaged in His mission of healing and teaching. He enters Simon and Andrew’s home and heals Simon’s mother-in-law, restoring her strength so she can serve. As evening comes, all who are burdened and suffering are brought to Him, and He heals many.
Yet even amid the crowds and needs, Jesus withdraws early in the morning to pray in solitude. His day flows from tender compassion to quiet communion with the Father. When the disciples find Him and say, “Everyone is looking for you,” His answer isn’t self-importance but mission: *“Let us go on to the nearby villages that I may preach there also; for this purpose I have come.”
Today’s Gospel invites us to see the rhythm of Christ’s life as our model:
He heals and serves, offering compassion to every hurt.
He prays and listens, making room for the Father’s voice.
He moves with purpose, not merely reactive but directed by love.
In our own lives, we often rush from one demand to another, yet Jesus shows us that true service flows from time with God. In silence He renews His heart for the work ahead — and so He invites us to do the same.
PRAYER
Lord Jesus,
You came not only to heal but to teach us how to love.
In the midst of every need and every crowd,
help me to find those quiet moments where You speak and I listen.
Teach me to touch the wounds of others with Your compassion,
to serve with a heart renewed by prayer,
and to move forward in life with purpose and peace.
May I follow Your example:
healing with tenderness,
praying with sincerity,
and living each day for Your glory.
Speak, Lord —
Your servant is listening.
Amen
