February 3, 2026 // Optional Memorial of Saint Blaise, Bishop and Martyr; Optional Memorial of Saint Ansgar, Bishop
Read the Word // Open your Bible to today’s Gospel: Mark 5:21-43
Reflect on the Word //
I sat silently and with great intent before the Blessed Sacrament. Within my heart hung prayer request upon prayer request, the majority of which—at present—seemed ignored and dismissed. The dull ache I felt in my chest was a physical reminder of how long these intentions had sat heavily within—still without an obvious response. Tired yet filled with peace, I looked intently at Jesus. The unwavering conviction I felt in my heart tangled with my exhaustion as I adjusted my posture and leaned in, resting my elbows on my knees. I believe that He is Who He says He is, and so I entrusted myself to Him once more. I chose to lean in.
In today's Gospel, we see the juxtaposition of God's timing and our preferred timelines. We witness the tension between waiting well in the midst of crisis and challenge, and persevering with faith and inexhaustible hope.
Both Jairus, the leader of the synagogue, and the hemorrhaging woman hold great faith in their own ways. Jairus, about to lose his daughter, falls at Jesus' feet and begs him to heal her. How often do I feel I'm in the same position? Begging the Lord to come, to heal, to be close? Jairus' humility reminds me to continue to run to the Lord, in every season and for everything. To ask and request and persevere with expectation. Perhaps begging is a holy endeavor: It is perseverance—an outward sign of the belief I hold within.
Just like the hemorrhaging woman, may we continue to reach for the Lord’s cloak. Though we endure much, may we believe that He can and He will according to His will, and entrust ourselves freely and confidently into His care. May we move toward Him with great faith.
Jesus cannot be rushed and He is at work within our hearts as we wait (or learn to wait!). Though at times it feels as if Jesus is delayed, healing happens especially in our waiting, for it presents an opportunity to bolster our belief and align ourselves with His great will. His care for us is always on time.
Relate to the Lord // Make a visit to Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament today (or this week). Entrust yourself and your intentions to Him once more.
Shalini Blubaugh is a Minnesota transplant living in Coppell, Texas. She served with NET Ministries and went on to graduate with her J.D., though happily left all things law behind. Along with her roles as wife and mom, she now runs her own company, Pray. Train. Grow., as a Certified Fitness Trainer and Nutritional Therapy Practitioner. Her mission is to help Catholic women grow STRONG in mind, body, and heart through the integration of Faith, fitness and food.
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