Weekly Lectio Divina: Mark 5: 25-34, 35-36, 41-42

Dear Fellow Veterans, Active Duty Service Members, Combat Heroes, Disabled Warriors, and Your Beloved Families, Grace and peace to you from our Lord Jesus Christ.

As your Spiritual Director, Heath Garcia, I'm honored to share this week's Lectio Divina with you through ArchAngel Ministries. In the midst of the battles we've faced—whether on foreign soil, in the quiet struggles of homecoming, or supporting loved ones through it all—God's Word offers us a refuge of healing, strength, and unshakeable faith. This practice of Lectio Divina invites us to encounter Scripture not just with our minds, but with our hearts, allowing the Holy Spirit to speak directly to our wounds, our resilience, and our hope. For the week of February 3, 2026, we'll focus on the Gospel reading from Mark 5:21-43, the stories of the woman healed from her affliction and Jairus' daughter raised from death.

These narratives resonate deeply with our experiences: the long-suffering from unseen injuries, the desperation in the face of loss, and the power of faith to bring restoration. I've selected key verses (Mark 5:25-34, 35-36, 41-42) to guide us, drawing from the daily Mass readings.

Preparation:

Find a quiet space—perhaps your favorite chair, a walk in nature, or even in the company of family. Take a few deep breaths, invoking the Holy Spirit: "Come, Holy Spirit, open my heart to Your Word. Heal what is broken, strengthen what is weary.

"The Scripture Passage (Mark 5:25-34, 35-36, 41-42, NABRE)

"A woman afflicted with hemorrhages for twelve years had suffered greatly at the hands of many doctors and had spent all that she had, yet she grew worse. She had heard about Jesus and came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak. She said, "If I but touch his clothes, I shall be cured." Immediately, her flow of blood dried up. She felt in her body that she was healed of her affliction. Jesus, aware at once that power had gone out from him, turned around in the crowd and asked, "Who has touched my clothes?" But his disciples said to him, "You see how the crowd is pressing upon you, and yet you ask, 'Who touched me?'" And he looked around to see who had done it. The woman, realizing what had happened to her, approached in fear and trembling. She fell down before Jesus and told him the whole truth. He said to her, "Daughter, your faith has saved you. Go in peace and be cured of your affliction."

"While he was still speaking, people from the synagogue official's house arrived and said, 'Your daughter has died; why trouble the teacher any longer?" Disregarding the message that was reported, Jesus said to the synagogue official, "Do not be afraid; just have faith." ... He took the child by the hand and said to her, "Talitha koum," which means, "Little girl, I say to you, arise!" The girl, a child of twelve, arose immediately and walked around. At that, they were utterly astounded."

Step 1: Lectio (Reading)Read the passage slowly, aloud if possible, two or three times. Listen for a word or phrase that stands out to you—like a whisper from God amid the noise of life. For many of us who've carried invisible wounds from combat or service, words like "afflicted," "healed," "go in peace," or "do not be afraid; just have faith" might echo our own stories of PTSD, physical disabilities, or family hardships.

Step 2: Meditatio (Meditation)Reflect on that word or phrase. Ask yourself: How does this speak to my service? Maybe the woman's twelve years of suffering mirrors the chronic pain or emotional battles you've endured, reaching out in desperation yet finding healing in a single act of faith. Or perhaps Jairus' plea for his child reminds you of praying for your family's well-being during deployments. Consider how Jesus doesn't just heal bodies but restores peace and life, much like the camaraderie and purpose we find in our veteran community.

Step 3: Oratio (Prayer)Respond to God in prayer. Pour out your heart: "Lord, like the woman, I've suffered long—touch me with Your healing. Like Jairus, I face fears for my loved ones; help me not to be afraid, but to have faith. Strengthen me as a veteran, heal my family, and grant us Your peace that surpasses all understanding."Step 4: Contemplatio (Contemplation) Simply rest in God's presence. Sit in silence, letting His love envelop you. Imagine Jesus saying to you, "Your faith has saved you. Go in peace." Allow this to renew your spirit, reminding you that you're not alone—God is our ultimate Commander, who bears our infirmities and calls us to arise anew.

As we journey through this week, carry this Scripture with you. Share it in your support groups, with your spouses or children, or during quiet moments of reflection. If it stirs something deep, reach out to me at ArchAngel Ministries for further spiritual direction.

May the Lord bless you and keep you, making His face shine upon you and granting you peace (Numbers 6:24-26).

In Christ's service,

Heath Garcia

Spiritual Director, ArchAngel Ministries

@arch_ministries

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