Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: January 22, 2025

Date: Wednesday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time/Day of Protection for the Unborn

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:

The gospel reading for today from Mark is similar to yesterday’s in that Jesus confronts individuals more concerned with appearances than loving mercy. The LORD’s law for humanity calls us to love well. Its purpose is not to be burdensome but rather freeing. In today’s gospel, Jesus frees a man enslaved by a rigid interpretation of the law.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

How do I respond to the needs of others?

Praying:

LORD, Almighty Father, Beloved Son, Most Holy Spirit, we praise You this day and all days. We lift our hearts and voices to You in thanksgiving knowing that we are because of You and your love. Grant that we may allow your love to fuel our lives and guide our actions. Help us to see in one another what You see, to love them as You love them. Let us never pass by an opportunity to express loving kindness and mercy. 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.