Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: January 10, 2024

Date:  Wednesday of the 1st Week in Ordinary Time

Scripture Text:  Mark 1:29-39

On leaving the synagogue Jesus entered the house of Simon and Andrew with James and John. Simon’s mother-in-law lay sick with a fever. They immediately told him about her. He approached, grasped her hand, and helped her up. Then the fever left her, and she waited on them.When it was evening, after sunset, they brought to him all who were ill or possessed by demons. The whole town was gathered at the door. He cured many who were sick with various diseases, and he drove out many demons, not permitting them to speak because they knew him.Rising very early before dawn, he left and went off to a deserted place, where he prayed.Simon and those who were with him pursued him and on finding him said, “Everyone is looking for you.” He told them, “Let us go on to the nearby villages that I may preach there also. For this purpose have I come.” So he went into their synagogues, preaching and driving out demons throughout the whole of Galilee.

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

The gospel for today continues our reading of Mark and shows us Jesus’ compassion for others as well as his passion for his mission on earth fed by his time in prayer and communion with the Father.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

Do I have a passion for my mission here on earth fed by my time in prayer?  

Praying:

LORD, Almighty Father, Beloved Son, Most Holy Spirit, always and everywhere your love for us is apparent and at work in our lives and in our world. Grant that we may open ourselves to your transformative love through the graces of prayer and communion with You. Make us participants in your ongoing salvific mission on earth. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.