Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: January 15, 2026

Date: Thursday of the 1^st Week in Ordinary Time

Scripture Text:   Mark 1:40-45

A leper came to him and kneeling down begged him and said, “If you wish, you can make me clean.” Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand, touched the leper, and said to him, “I do will it. Be made clean.” The leprosy left him immediately, and he was made clean.  Warning him sternly, he dismissed him at once. Then he said to him, “See that you tell no one anything, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer for your cleansing what Moses prescribed; that will be proof for them.”

The man went away and began to publicize the whole matter. He spread the report abroad so that it was impossible for Jesus to enter a town openly. He remained outside in deserted places, and people kept coming to him from everywhere.

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

 The gospel reading for today recounts Jesus’ curing of a leper early in Jesus’ ministry. Jesus was moved with pity for the leper, but Jesus told the man not to tell others of the miracle. However, the man did tell others who flocked to see Jesus hoping for His healing or wisdom.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

 Do I approach Christ with confidence in Christ’s loving concern and His authority and power?

Praying:

LORD, Almighty Father, as I seek to follow in your beloved Son’s footsteps as His disciple, I ask that You send your Spirit to fill me with resolve and trust. Grant that I may seek to live as Jesus calls me to live for love of Him and for your glory. I ask this in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Spirit, one LORD, forever and ever. Amen.