Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: January 21,2026

Date: Memorial of St. Agnes/Wednesday of 2^nd Week in Ordinary Time

Scripture Text:   Mark 3:1-6

Jesus entered the synagogue. There was a man there who had a withered hand. They watched Jesus closely to see if he would cure him on the sabbath so that they might accuse him. He said to the man with the withered hand, "Come up here before us." Then he said to the Pharisees, "Is it lawful to do good on the sabbath rather than to do evil, to save life rather than to destroy it?" But they remained silent. Looking around at them with anger and grieved at their hardness of heart, Jesus said to the man, "Stretch out your hand." He stretched it out and his hand was restored. The Pharisees went out and immediately took counsel with the Herodians against him to put him to death.

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

 Today’s gospel reading immediately follows yesterday’s reading concerning Jesus’ teaching on the Sabbath. Today, it is still the Sabbath and Jesus is faced with whether to do good, to heal a man’s withered hand, on the Sabbath. The Pharisees’ refusal to acknowledge that saving another/doing good is allowed grieved Jesus. Knowing what it would cost Him, Jesus still did good for another.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

Can I be overly legalistic in my judgment of others? Do I exercise compassion in every circumstance?

Praying:

LORD, Almighty Father, You reveal yourself to us always and everywhere, but nowhere more profoundly than in the gift of your only-begotten Son who came to teach us of the depth of your love and the breadth of your mercy. Send your Spirit to tenderize our minds, hearts and souls so that we are more receptive to your merciful love. We 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.