January 19, 2026 // Memorial of Saints Timothy and Titus, Bishops
Read the Word // Open your Bible to today’s Gospel: Mark 2:18-22
Reflect on the Word //
My faded gray hiking shoes crunched the rocky dirt as my family and I rounded the switchback coming upon a grove of aspens, their perfectly round leaves rustling in the morning breeze. It felt as though we were timid guests on the heels of the homeowner, peeking through the scattered alpine trunks and admiring the grassy carpet below. I spotted a single white geranium poking through the blades of grass and wondered how long it had waited for the snow to melt and the clouds to break so that it could rear its head above the dirt. Maybe it was just the delicate white petals, but the little flower reminded me of a bride. It was a reminder that winter had passed and that spring even touches the mountainous corners of the earth.
Weddings contain a formula of great joy. The bride floats about in her dazzling white dress—her dress that has been plucked from a dozen others and approved by her mother’s tearful nod. When she carefully zips the dress the morning of the wedding, she, like the geranium, knows her days of waiting are over. Her groom is right there, through the beckoning double doors. In today’s Gospel, Jesus addresses His curious followers, asking them, “Can the wedding guests fast while the bridegroom is with them?” (Mark 2:19) Time and time again in Scripture, Jesus reveals Himself as the ultimate, perfect Bridegroom. He is the One Who relieves our waiting, satisfies our hunger, melts the snow, extends His hand, and lifts our head up from the dirt. What great hands we are in!
Though we may have long winters in our lives that pull our heads down, we must remember to Whom we belong. We are invited into Christian joy, which does not mean we don’t feel our pain or forget the liturgical time for penance, but it does mean we bask in awe of God in every season of our lives. We remember the dust from which He lifted our heads and the glory to come.
Relate to the Lord // Consider the flowers today—either in real life or in your imagination. Let yourself appreciate their beauty and God’s glory.
Olivia Jackson, known by her family and friends as Liv, recently graduated from the University of Iowa College of Education. She now happily lives and works in Des Moines, Iowa as a third grade teacher at a catholic grade school. She enjoys anything outdoorsy, creative, or active and can often be found reading in a hammock, scrapbooking with music and a snack, or enjoying a fun workout class. Olivia is a social butterfly and loves being surrounded by and meeting Christ in her family, friends, co-workers, and students!
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