Daily Lectio Divina for January 14, 2026
Today's readings emphasize God's call to service, healing from affliction, and the strength found in prayer and mission—themes that resonate with the sacrifices of military life, the burdens of wounds (visible and invisible), and the support of loved ones. We focus primarily on the Gospel, drawing in echoes from the First Reading and Psalm for deeper reflection. Begin in a quiet space, perhaps with a crucifix or image of St. Michael the Archangel (patron of soldiers).
Invoke the Holy Spirit: "Come, Holy Spirit, heal our wounds and guide our service."
The Scripture: Gospel from Mark 1:29-39.
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.
(Supporting readings: First Reading—1 Samuel 3:1-10, 19-20, where young Samuel learns to listen to God's call; Responsorial Psalm—Psalm 40, "Here am I, Lord; I come to do your will.")1. Lectio (Reading)
Read the Gospel passage slowly, twice or thrice. Listen for words or phrases that stand out, as if God is speaking directly to you. For those in the Armed Forces or wounded: Notice Jesus' immediate response to suffering—grasping the hand, healing, and driving out demons. Echo Samuel's story: God calls repeatedly, even when we're unfamiliar or asleep to His voice.2. Meditatio (Meditation)Reflect on what the text means for you. Ponder these tailored prompts:
- For service members and veterans: Jesus enters the "house" (a place of rest after duty) and heals amid exhaustion. How does this mirror your call to serve, like Samuel's obedient "Here I am"? Consider your own mission: Just as Jesus says, "For this purpose have I come," reflect on your vocation in the military—protecting others, facing danger. If moral wounds (e.g., guilt from decisions in combat) or physical injuries linger, see Jesus driving out "demons" as liberation from PTSD, regret, or pain.
- For those with wounds: Simon's mother-in-law is lifted up and restored to service. Imagine Jesus grasping your hand—healing scars from battle, surgeries, or inner turmoil. Families, think of bringing your loved one's afflictions to Jesus, as the disciples did. The "whole town" gathers: You're not alone; communities like chaplains, VA support, or family stand with you.
- For families: Evening brings crowds seeking healing—much like the home front, where you wait, worry, and support. Jesus prays in solitude before continuing His mission; how can this inspire your resilience amid deployments, recoveries, or loss?
- Connect to the Psalm: "Here am I, Lord; I come to do your will." In wounds or service, God's law in your heart brings delight, even in hardship.
Journal a key phrase, like "He grasped her hand" or "For this purpose have I come."
3. Oratio (Prayer)Respond to God in your own words. Use this as a starting point, adapting it: "Lord Jesus, Healer of wounds, like Samuel, help me hear Your call amid the noise of duty and pain. Grasp my hand—or my loved one's—and lift us from fevers of body and soul. Drive out the demons of doubt, trauma, and regret that haunt our service. For families bearing the weight, grant strength to wait and serve. As You prayed in the dawn, teach us to find solace in You before facing the next mission. Here I am, Lord; heal us to do Your will. Amen."Offer intentions for fellow service members, wounded warriors, Gold Star families, or specific needs.
4. Contemplatio (Contemplation)Rest silently in God's presence for 5-10 minutes. Let go of thoughts; simply be with Jesus, the Divine Physician and Commander. Imagine Him in your "deserted place"—a barracks, hospital room, or home—renewing your purpose.
End with the Our Father, Glory Be, or a salute to the Cross. Carry a word from today into your actions: Perhaps reach out for healing (counseling, sacraments) or support a comrade/family member.
Blessings to you this day,
Heath
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Daily Lectio Divina for January 14, 2026
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