Reflexiones Católicas – Jueves 15 de enero de 2026, Jueves de la 1.ª semana del Tiempo Ordinario, Marcos 1,40–45

La Voluntad de Sanar

Este pasaje del Evangelio de Marcos relata un encuentro milagroso donde un hombre con lepra se acerca a Jesús con profunda fe para solicitar su sanación. Al ser movido por la compasión, el Mesías rompe las barreras sociales al tocar al enfermo y restaurar su salud de manera instantánea. Aunque se le instruyó mantener el evento en secreto y presentarse ante las autoridades religiosas, el hombre sanado decidió proclamar el prodigio abiertamente. Esta difusión masiva de la noticia obligó a Jesús a retirarse a lugares solitarios, debido a las multitudes que lo buscaban incansablemente. En última instancia, el texto subraya tanto el poder restaurador del Redentor como las consecuencias de la fama pública en su ministerio.

¿Cómo transforma el encuentro entre Jesús y el leproso las leyes de pureza?

¿Qué consecuencias tuvo la desobediencia del leproso para el ministerio público de Jesús?

¿Cuál es el significado profundo de la compasión divina frente al sufrimiento humano?

Short Reflection:

The Cleansing Touch of the Divine Faith

This passage from the Gospel of Mark recounts a transformative encounter where a man suffering from leprosy approaches Jesus with an appeal for healing. Demonstrating profound compassion, Jesus breaks social taboos by physically touching the man and instantly curing his ailment. Although instructed to remain silent and follow Mosaic Law by reporting to a priest, the man instead publicises the miracle far and wide. This widespread fame eventually forces Jesus to avoid urban centers, seeking refuge in remote areas to manage the overwhelming crowds. The text highlights both the restorative power of Christ and the tension between private messianic identity and public ministry.

Long Reflection:

Catholic Reflections – I Will; Be Clean

Date: Thursday 15 January 2026

liturgical

Liturgical: Thursday of week 1 in Ordinary Time

Outline:

• Opening prayer

• Gospel reading (paraphrased for easy listening)

• Reflection on Jesus’ compassion, healing touch, and obedient faith

• Key points for discipleship

• Concluding prayer

Gospel – Mark 1:40–45 (paraphrased):

A man suffering from leprosy came to Jesus and begged Him for help. Kneeling before Him, he said with trust, “If You will, You can make me clean.” Jesus was moved with deep compassion. He reached out, touched the man, and said, “I will; be clean.” Immediately, the leprosy left him and he was made clean.

Jesus then sent him away with a firm instruction: he was not to tell anyone, but first to go and show himself to the priest and make the offering prescribed by Moses—so that his cleansing could be officially recognised.

But the man went out and began speaking freely about what had happened. The news spread so widely that Jesus could no longer enter towns openly. Instead, He remained in lonely places, and people came to Him from everywhere.

Key Points:

1. The courage to come close

The leper approaches Jesus despite shame and exclusion. Faith moves toward Christ even when we feel unworthy.

2. “If You will…” — humility and trust

The man trusts Jesus’ power and surrenders to His will. True prayer holds both confidence and surrender.

3. Jesus touches the untouchable

Jesus’ compassion is not distant. He reaches out and restores dignity, showing that nothing unclean can contaminate His holiness—His holiness heals.

4. Healing calls for obedience

Jesus’ instruction points to humility, right order, and respect for God’s law. Gratitude should include obedience.

5. The cost of mercy

Because the news spreads, Jesus is pushed to the margins—out in desolate places. He bears inconvenience and isolation so others can be restored.

Concluding Prayer:

Lord Jesus,

when we feel ashamed, excluded, or “unclean,”

give us the courage to come to You.

We believe You can heal us;

help us also to trust Your will.

Reach out Your hand to us, Lord.

Touch what is wounded,

cleanse what is sinful,

and restore what is broken.

Teach us obedient faith—

not only to receive Your mercy,

but to follow Your guidance with humility.

And make our lives a quiet witness to Your compassion,

so that others may come to You and be made whole.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Tags: Catholic, Ordinary Time, Mark 1, Leper, Healing, Compassion, Jesus Touches the Untouchable, Cleanse Me, Obedience, Faith, Mercy, Desolate Places, Discipleship, Daily Gospel, Prayer, Catholic Podcast, Catholic Reflections

Reflexiones Católicas – Miércoles 14 de enero de 2026, Miércoles de la 1.ª semana del Tiempo Ordinario, Marcos 1,29–39

La mano sanadora y la oración en soledad

Este pasaje evangélico ilustra la misión integral de Jesús, quien alterna entre la sanación compasiva de los enfermos y la búsqueda de la comunión espiritual en soledad. La narrativa comienza con el restablecimiento físico de la suegra de Pedro y se expande hacia una labor incansable de exorcismo y curación ante las multitudes de Cafarnaún. Sin embargo, el texto enfatiza que la verdadera fuente de su autoridad reside en la oración privada, la cual le permite reafirmar que su objetivo primordial es la proclamación del Reino en nuevos territorios. Así, el relato revela una estructura que equilibra la acción milagrosa con la prioridad de la predicación, demostrando que su propósito trasciende el alivio temporal para ofrecer un mensaje de salvación universal.

¿Cómo equilibra Jesús su misión de sanación física con la necesidad de oración?

¿Cuál es el propósito fundamental de la misión de Jesús según este relato?

¿De qué manera interactúa Jesús con las multitudes y sus discípulos en Cafarnaúm?