Daily Gospel Reflection for February 5, 2025

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

Reflection by Colleen O'Dowd

Today's Gospel: Mark 6:1-6

Mighty deeds. We love some mighty deeds. That’s the stuff of Scripture. Warriors and kings and prophets. The God of the Old Testament. Charleton Heston in The Ten Commandments.

And yet today, we hear the Gospel writer refer to Jesus’ inability to do any might deeds in His hometown. You know, except to cure a few sick people.

I chuckle every time I hear this Gospel because I’m reminded even Jesus had off days. And even on His off days, He’s still about the work of healing. Restoration. Reconciliation. 

And really, Jesus isn’t having an off day. The people of Nazareth are. 

God doesn’t need our praise. He knows we are healthier, better, and stronger when we are oriented with love towards our Father and Creator.

Jesus isn’t suffering from the kryptonite of our lack of faith, but He desires it for us because He knows we are capable of more than we would even dare to believe.

Because we are His--God’s children, Jesus’ brothers and sisters through the Holy Spirit. We have been rescued. Ransomed. Purchased with His life.

God delights in my delight. Healing and wholeness cause me delight, and all I have to do is accept it. I can only do this when I get out of the way and allow God to delight me. 

Ponder:

Jesus could only cure a few sick people in His hometown. Who in my life would have been one of those cured because of his/her faith? How can I pray for or with that person today?

Pray:

Jesus, St. Agatha had such a big and brave faith. I desire for You to be amazed at my faith. Help me to grow in faith in one small way today.

Copyright 2025 Colleen O'Dowd

Colleen O’Dowd is a parish missionary at Our Lady of Ransom in Niles, IL. She loves being Catholic; her Converse All Stars, Crocs, socks, toenails (and sometimes even her hair!), are always liturgically correct; and she is a super saint-geek! She blogs ultra-occasionally at www.ourheartswereburningwithin.wordpress.com and can also be found as @catholiccolleen on Twitter and Instagram.