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Gospel Reading for January 14, 2026 – Mark 1: 29-39
GREAT POWER
On leaving the synagogue Jesus entered the house of Simon and Andrew with James and John. Simon’s mother-in-law lay sick with a fever. They immediately told him about her. He approached, grasped her hand, and helped her up. Then the fever left her and she waited on them.
When it was evening, after sunset, they brought to him all who were ill or possessed by demons. The whole town was gathered at the door. He cured many who were sick with various diseases, and he drove out many demons, not permitting them to speak because they knew him.
Rising very early before dawn, he left and went off to a deserted place, where he prayed. Simon and those who were with him pursued him and on finding him said, “Everyone is looking for you.” He told them, “Let us go on to the nearby villages that I may preach there also. For this purpose have I come.” So he went into their synagogues, preaching and driving out demons throughout the whole of Galilee.
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Despite ministering to all who were sick and possessed in the evening, Jesus still rose early next day to pray in a deserted place. Prayer was so important to him that it did not matter whether he had been very tired the evening before. He had to be in continuous contact with the Father to re-energize, to be inspired, to stay focused on the mission, and of course, to maintain the intimacy between Father and Son. No wonder, when the disciples asked Jesus to teach them how to pray, he taught them the Our Father (Matthew 6: 9-13).
Sons who are close to their fathers will understand why it is so important to be in continuous contact with their fathers who do not live with them. They would always want to share their joys and successes, and in times of difficulties, they need to consult and be encouraged to persevere.
There are those of us who lose hope in the midst of difficulties and instead of turning to God, turn towards ourselves, and most often than not, it exacerbates the difficulties. Although turning towards ourselves through practices like self-care, self-compassion and instrospection is beneficial for us, it is more for “regular maintenance” rather than coping with difficulties especially the very challenging ones.
There is GREAT POWER in Prayer. The God we are connecting with, is OMNIPOTENT, therefore, we can get from him all we ever need as human beings!
Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name; Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil!
