Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: January 14, 2025

Date: Tuesday of the 1st Week of Ordinary Time

Scripture Text: Mark 1:21-28

Jesus came to Capernaum with his followers, and on the sabbath he entered the synagogue and taught. The people were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority and not as the scribes.

In their synagogue was a man with an unclean spirit; he cried out, “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are–the Holy One of God!” Jesus rebuked him and said, “Quiet! Come out of him!” The unclean spirit convulsed him and with a loud cry came out of him.

All were amazed and asked one another, “What is this? A new teaching with authority. He commands even the unclean spirits and they obey him.” His fame spread everywhere throughout the whole region of Galilee.

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

The gospel reading for today drawn from the 1st chapter of Mark continues to show us the beginning of Jesus’ salvific mission for us. Yesterday, Jesus called for repentance and for following Him as his disciples. Today’s text shows us Jesus teaching with authority and healing.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

In following Jesus as His disciple, do I bring my needs to Him? Do I truly encounter Jesus and allow Him to transform me?

Praying:

LORD, Jesus Christ, Son of God, our Savior, we come to You this day, hoping to truly encounter You in a transformative way. We ask that You send your Spirit to fully open our minds and hearts to You and allow You “in” so that You might remain in us. We pray that we will strive to remain in You, keeping your commandments and following in your footsteps. We ask that we may be instruments of your divine mission here on earth. Amen.