MONTHLY DEVOTIONAL FOR 22 JANUARY
January 22, 2026
FEAST OF SAINT MARIANNE COPE – 23rd JANUARY
January 23, 2026
TODAY’S GOSPEL READING
22 JANUARY, 2026
Mark 3:7-12
Jesus withdrew toward the sea with his disciples.
A large number of people followed from Galilee and from Judea.
Hearing what he was doing,
a large number of people came to him also from Jerusalem,
from Idumea, from beyond the Jordan,
and from the neighborhood of Tyre and Sidon.
He told his disciples to have a boat ready for him because of the crowd,
so that they would not crush him.
He had cured many and, as a result, those who had diseases
were pressing upon him to touch him.
And whenever unclean spirits saw him they would fall down before him
and shout, “You are the Son of God.”
He warned them sternly not to make him known.
THE GOSPEL OF THE LORD!
REFLECTION
Jesus’ ministry drew diverse crowds from many nations, foreshadowing the Gospel’s universal call. When authorities plotted against Him, He withdrew—not from fear, but divine wisdom. His hour had not yet come. It was time for building, teaching, and forming disciples.
The crowds saw His miracles but missed His full mission: His Passion, Death, and Resurrection for our salvation. Like them, we often fail to see God’s larger plan in our lives.
As Ecclesiastes says, “There is an appointed time for everything.” We face seasons of joy and trial. We’re called not to cling desperately to the good or despair in the bad, but to trust God is working all for our ultimate good.
Reflect on your life’s seasons. Can you view challenges as chances to deepen trust in God’s perfect plan? By embracing each moment, we grow in grace and imitate Jesus’ fidelity, whose obedience saved the world.
PRAYER
Lord, Your life showed perfect timing and wisdom, always following the Father’s will through joy and sorrow for our salvation. Help me trust Your providence in all life’s seasons, knowing You bring good fruit. Strengthen my faith to surrender to Your will.
