February 17, 2026 // Optional Memorial of the Seven Founders of the Order of Servites, religious
Read the Word // Open your Bible to today’s Gospel: Mark 8:14-21
Reflect on the Word //
An odd, creaking rumble emanated from the front of our new-to-us van as I pulled out of our driveway. Already this morning one child had dropped the full yogurt container, splattering its contents across the kitchen floor, and not even fifteen minutes later, another had pulled a glass jar to the edge of the table, where it—of course—dropped to the floor, sending glass shards everywhere. One thing after another was going wrong, and frustration was bubbling out of me in every form of complaint.
I’d been so quick to forget. Quick to forget the beautiful miracles I’d been privy to just in the past week. Both in my life as well as in those of several close friends, our loving Father’s gifts were apparent: a baby announcement after years of infertility, a huge financial gift helping to clear debt looming over us, a car accident that had miraculously left no one injured, and so many smaller day-to-day miracles too.
Our Gospel today opens with the disciples worrying about not having bread for their journey (see Mark 8:14-21). Jesus reminds them of a very recent miracle they had all witnessed: “And do you not remember, when I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many wicker baskets full of fragments you picked up?" (Mark 8:18b-19a)
I catch myself in this same scenario. I turn back to the Father and recall His graciousness, and I feel comforted knowing that He always has my true best interest in mind. This reassurance of God’s providence settles my frustrations.
The Lord is gentle with us, aware of our human tendency to revert to worry and complaint. He is patient with our forgetfulness and lack of understanding. And we can take comfort in the same God who has time and time again performed miracles in our lives, providing for us today and in the future.
Relate to the Lord // Take a few moments to recall the “small” day-to-day miracles. Let gratitude wash over you and increase your hope for the future.
Sarah Ortiz is a Catholic convert, wife, and mother to six boys while living in a 200-year-old farmhouse in Western New York. When not folding laundry, she can be found reading, experimenting in the kitchen, keeping the family library, or snagging amazing antique furniture deals. She was a contributing author to Set a Fire. Find out more about her here.
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