Daily Gospel Reflection for January 15, 2025

Join us as we reflect, ponder, and pray together inspired by today's Gospel.

Today's Gospel: Mark 1:29-39

In the not so distant past, I struggled with faith. I knew that God existed and that miracles were real, but I didn’t feel God’s presence in my life. I let myself believe that I was too insignificant for Christ’s love and attention. Even when faithful friends reminded me that Jesus did love me and cared deeply for me, I didn’t truly believe that in my heart. 

During that time, I went to an event at our church. The opening prayer was a mediation on today’s Gospel passage. As our leader slowly read the passage the second time through, asking us to pay attention to what grabbed our attention, a short phrase I had always overlooked jumped out at me. When Jesus approached Simon’s mother-in-law, he “grasped her hand.”

At that moment I understood with clarity. Jesus could have healed her from far away, but He is not a distant Lord. He is an intimate Lord, the kind who meets us at our level and takes us by the hand. That day, He spiritually took me by the hand and reminded me of how personally He pursues and values me.

In this brief passage, we hear about countless miracles Jesus performed for people. The majority of them remain unnamed and anonymous, yet I know for each one of them, their encounter with Jesus was intensely personal and intimate.

Jesus wants to encounter you and me intimately every day. The question is, will we let him?

Ponder:

What thoughts or experiences are holding me back from letting Jesus be intimate with me?

Pray:

Lord Jesus, help dissolve my barriers so I may be united with You in all things.

Copyright 2025 Maria Riley