January 15, 2025 // Wednesday of the First Week in Ordinary Time
Read the Word // Open your Bible to today’s Gospel: Mark 1:29-39
Reflect on the Word //
After a chaotic day, I find myself drawn to the quiet sanctuary of daily Mass. As I enter the cathedral, the noise of the world fades away, and I feel an immediate sense of refuge in the solitude and silence of prayer. In those moments, I can finally breathe, allowing my thoughts and feelings to settle. It’s a time to connect with God, to process the chaos of the day, and to receive His Presence in the Most Holy Eucharist.
Jesus stepped out of the bustling synagogue and into the quiet home of Simon and Andrew. The atmosphere was thick with concern as they informed Him about Simon’s mother-in-law, who lay sick with a fever. Without hesitation, He approached her, grasped her hand, and lifted her up. Instantly, the fever left her, and she began to serve them. This moment of healing was just the beginning; soon, the entire town gathered at their door, bringing the sick and possessed, desperate for His touch.
In this passage, we are drawn into the profound ministry of Jesus, who effortlessly intertwines compassion with action. He brought not only physical healing but also a deeper restoration of hope and dignity. Imagine the weight of those gathered outside, their faces filled with longing for relief.
Notice, too, the intentionality of Jesus in seeking solitude: “Rising very early before dawn, he left and went off to a deserted place, where he prayed” (Mark 1:35). In that quiet space with Him, we, too, can find strength and clarity.
As women of faith, we are called to embrace the balance of the active and contemplative life. Just as Jesus healed and preached, we too can bring hope and healing to our communities, rooted in a life of deep contemplative prayer. Together, may we find the courage to seek Christ in both the chaos and the quiet.
Relate to the Lord // Step away from the noise to connect with God for at least five minutes today.
Rose Coleman is an elementary school teacher with a heart for pilgrimage. She traveled the globe on a ship during college and spent some years in the convent as a religious sister. She was a contributing author to All She Had, Blessed Conversations: Rooted, and our children’s devotional prayer book called Rise Up. Find out more about her here.
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