Wednesday | February 9, 2022
Mark 7:14-23:
Jesus continues to speak to the crowd about the purity rituals. What they eat does not make them unclean, does not affect what they do or say. It is what is within them that causes them to disregard God’s law. Their hearts need cleansing.
What is most important is what is in my heart. I know that. No matter what I do, if I do not have love in my heart my actions are useless. Cleanse me and fill me with love.
Tuesday | February 8, 2022
Mark 7:1-13:
“Keeping the tradition of the elders” for the Jewish leaders goes beyond the human tendency to do things because they have always been done that way. It is for them their interpretation of God’s law. Jesus pointedly says that they often misinterpret God’s word.
I ask your forgiveness for those times that I have paid lip service to your law while my heart is far from you and your people.
Monday | February 7, 2022
Mark 6:53-56:
Word has spread near and far about Jesus. By what they have heard, the people believe that this is the one who can heal their brokenness. They believe that all they must do is get close enough to Jesus to touch his cloak. Would that those closest to him had such faith.
May we be open to those signs especially in the ordinary moments of our lives that reveal your presence and power to us.
Sunday | February 6, 2022
Luke 5:1-11:
Simon, a fisherman by trade, balks at Jesus telling him to go back out to deep water. Daylight was not the best time to fish. Nonetheless, Simon did what Jesus said to do resulting in a miraculous catch of fish and the beginning of his journey of discipleship.
It’s hard to be obedient when doing what you ask doesn’t make sense, at least to me. But you call me to be faithful to you, to your word and I am assured miracles will happen.
Saturday | February 5, 2022
Mark 6:30-34:
The disciple’s opportunity to get away with Jesus and rest would have to wait. The crowds are relentless, their needs are great. Jesus, the compassionate one, sees this immediately and rightly chooses to serve them.
I can’t help but think about those times when the opportunity to get away was interrupted by the call to serve the needs of others. So often the interruptions are the work.
Friday | February 4, 2022
Mark 6:14-29:
Jesus’ widespread fame has caught Herod’s attention. The king’s paranoia gets the best of him. He thinks that Jesus is John back from the dead. The detailed story of John’s death is then recounted in the Gospel. In life, John prepared the way for Jesus through his preaching. In this passage his death is a foretelling of Jesus’ death.
I pray this day for those who told me about Jesus, leading me into deeper communion with him. Their faith continues to inspire me now and forever.
Thursday | February 3, 2022
Mark 6:7-13:
Jesus called each of his disciples personally and from them selected his inner circle. They accompanied him, watching, listening and learning until they were ready to be sent out. Jesus’ instructions before the apostles’ first mission include what to wear, what to bring, where to stay and what to do in the face of rejection.
As I approach a new “mission” on my life journey, I am reminded that, rather than fretting and over planning, I must let you lead me.
Wednesday | February 2, 2022
Luke 2:22-40:
Mary and Joseph devoutly and humbly follow the prescriptions of the Jewish law by taking Jesus to the temple. It is there that they encounter two people also humble and faithful who are spending their twilight years praying and waiting in the temple for God’s revelation of salvation.
Jesus, you were destined for greatness but not without great price. Thank you for your sacrifice. Thank you for my salvation.
Tuesday | February 1, 2022
Mark 5: 21-43:
Mark intertwines two stories of faith and healing. Each begin with someone seeking the healer, Jesus, and each end with the person though hopelessly ill, being completely healed. Both the father of the little girl and the woman exhibit complete trust in Jesus by what they say and do.
I am often more fearful and less faithful. When will I learn? Thank you for these beautiful examples of faith and trust.
Monday | December 20, 2021
Luke 1:26-38:
In Luke’s infancy narrative, he parallels the origins of John and Jesus. Angel Gabriel appears to both Zechariah and Mary to announce the surprising news about their conception and birth. They are given names by the angel. Zechariah and Mary each express how they feel through the poetry of a canticle.
Blessed are you Lord God. You have done great things for me, and I am so thankful.
