April 25, 2026 // Feast of Saint Mark, Evangelist
Read the Word // Open your Bible to today’s First Reading: 1 Peter 5:5b-14
Reflect on the Word //
Knock, knock.
The sound at the front door surprised me; we rarely had visitors and I wasn’t expecting a delivery.
I opened my door to see a sister from the Blessed Is She community, with a warm smile and a hug to greet me. I’d recently poured my heart out about a struggle, and in response she showed up at my door with love and encouragement. Just when I needed it most, I felt seen, supported, and filled with hope.
Today’s First Reading is from Saint Peter’s letter to exiled believers. It’s easy to imagine this community feeling alone and uncertain in their faith, needing encouragement. I wonder if the letter was unexpected but timely, as my friend’s visit was. Surely the words offered hope to the community as they do for me now.
As I read, “Cast all your worries on him for he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7), I’m assured of God’s Fatherly love. I exhale deeply, actually releasing tension and offering today’s list of worries to Him.
With my tension lessened, I find I can read the letter more carefully. One verse in particular reveals more of God’s heart to me, increasing my hope. Even though my strength may falter, I need not fear: God Himself plans to carry out the work of restoring me to the fullness of life, which is eternal glory with Jesus in Heaven (see 1 Peter 5:10).
Sister, I don’t know the burden you carry today, but I know that the Father cares deeply for you. He sees you and knows you. Our Father can be trusted with our lives, and is already at work strengthening us and preparing us for eternal life with Him.
Relate to the Lord // Who can you encourage today?
Gina Fensterer is a wife and mother of six children. She is passionate about finding God in the ordinary moments of her vocation. She loves Adoration, praying with Scripture, long morning walks, and fitness. She was a contributing author to And Hay Became Holy and our children's devotional prayer book called Rise Up. Read more by her here.
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