Reflexiones Católicas – Viernes 16 de enero de 2026, Viernes de la 1.ª semana del Tiempo Ordinario, Marcos 2,1–12

La Autoridad del Hijo para Perdonar y Sanar

Este pasaje del Evangelio de Marcos relata un encuentro milagroso en Cafarnaún donde Jesús demuestra su poder divino al sanar a un hombre paralítico. Debido a la multitud, los amigos del enfermo perforaron el techo para presentarlo ante el Maestro, quien inicialmente perdonó los pecados del hombre. Este acto provocó la indignación de los escribas, quienes consideraron sus palabras como una blasfemia contra Dios. Para validar su legitimidad ante los críticos, Jesús ordenó al hombre que caminara, logrando una curación física inmediata que asombró a los presentes. En última instancia, el relato enfatiza que el Hijo del Hombre posee la autoridad espiritual necesaria para restaurar tanto el alma como el cuerpo.

¿Cómo demuestra Jesús su autoridad divina mediante la curación física y el perdón?

¿Qué papel desempeña la fe comunitaria en la sanación espiritual del hombre paralítico?

¿De qué manera cuestionan los escribas la identidad de Jesús ante sus milagros?

Short Reflection:

The Divine Authority to Forgive and Heal

This passage from the Gospel of Mark illustrates a powerful encounter in Capernaum where Jesus demonstrates his divine nature through both spiritual and physical healing. After a group of determined friends lowers a paralyzed man through a rooftop, Jesus first addresses the man’s internal state by forgiving his sins. This action triggers a silent theological dispute with the present scribes, who believe that only God possesses the right to absolve wrongdoing. To prove his celestial authority, Jesus commands the man to stand and walk, resulting in an instantaneous recovery that stuns the witnesses. Ultimately, the narrative serves to validate that Jesus holds the sovereign power to bridge the gap between human suffering and divine mercy.

Long Reflection:

Catholic Reflections – Rise, Pick Up Your Bed, and Go Home

Date: Friday 16 January 2026

Liturgical: Friday of week 1 in Ordinary Time

Outline:

• Opening prayer

• Gospel reading (paraphrased for easy listening)

• Reflection on faith, forgiveness, and Jesus’ authority to heal

• Key points for discipleship

• Concluding prayer

Gospel – Mark 2:1–12 (paraphrased):

After some days, Jesus returned to Capernaum, and people quickly heard that He was at home. A great crowd gathered—so many that there was no space left, not even by the door. Jesus preached God’s word to them.

Four men arrived carrying a paralysed man on a mat. But they couldn’t reach Jesus because of the crowd. Refusing to give up, they went up to the roof, opened it, and lowered the man down right in front of Jesus.

Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralysed man, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” Some scribes sitting there silently objected, thinking, “Who can forgive sins but God alone?” Jesus knew what they were thinking and challenged them: “Which is easier—to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up, take your mat, and walk’?” Then, to show that He truly has authority on earth to forgive sins, Jesus said to the paralysed man, “I tell you, rise, pick up your bed, and go home.”

Immediately the man stood up, picked up his mat, and walked out in front of everyone. The crowd was overwhelmed with amazement, and they glorified God, saying, “We never saw anything like this!”

Key Points:

1. Faith that refuses to quit

The friends don’t accept the obstacle of the crowd. True faith finds a way to bring someone to Jesus.

2. We are carried by the Church

The paralysed man is brought by others. Sometimes we need others’ faith when our strength is low.

3. Jesus goes to the deepest need first

Before healing the body, Jesus forgives sins—showing that spiritual healing is the greater miracle.

4. Jesus’ authority is divine

The question “Who can forgive sins but God alone?” is the point: Jesus reveals who He is—the Son of Man with God’s authority.

5. Forgiveness leads to new life

The man rises and walks. When Jesus forgives and heals, we are not meant to stay on the mat—we are sent forward, changed.

Concluding Prayer:

Lord Jesus,

we bring You our weakness—

the places where we feel stuck, powerless, or burdened.

Give us friends of faith,

and make us friends who carry others to You.

Forgive our sins, Lord,

and heal what is broken within us.

Speak Your word of freedom over our lives:

“Rise… and go home.”

Help us to walk in newness of life—

with gratitude, humility, and courage—

so that our lives may glorify God.

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

Tags: Catholic, Ordinary Time, Mark 2, Capernaum, Paralysed Man, Roof Opened, Faith of Friends, Forgiveness of Sins, Son of Man, Authority of Jesus, Healing, Miracle, Discipleship, Daily Gospel, Prayer, Catholic Podcast, Catholic Reflections

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?

Short reflection:

The Healing Hand and the Galilean Mission

This passage from the Gospel of Mark illustrates the dual nature of Jesus’s early ministry, which balances immediate physical intervention with a broader spiritual mission. The narrative moves from an intimate act of domestic restoration in the healing of Simon’s mother-in-law to an expansive display of power as the entire city seeks relief from illness and spiritual oppression. Amidst this localized success, Jesus retreats into private, solitary prayer to realign with his divine purpose, resisting the temptation to remain in one place as a mere miracle-worker. Ultimately, he defines his primary objective as universal proclamation, insisting on traveling to surrounding regions to spread his message and demonstrate his authority over darkness throughout all of Galilee.

Long Reflection:

Catholic Reflections – He Prayed in a Desolate Place

Date: Wednesday 14 January 2026

Liturgical: Wednesday of week 1 in Ordinary Time

Outline:

• Opening prayer

• Gospel reading (full reading, word for word)

• Reflection on healing, service, and prayer as the source of mission

• Key points for discipleship

• Concluding prayer

Gospel Mark 1:29-39 (full reading, word for word)

‘He healed many who were sick with various diseases.’

At that time: Jesus left the synagogue and entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. Now Simon’s mother-in-law lay ill with a fever, and immediately they told him about her. And he came and took her by the hand and lifted her up, and the fever left her, and she began to serve them.

That evening at sundown they brought to him all who were sick or oppressed by demons. And the whole city was gathered together at the door. And he healed many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons. And he would not permit the demons to speak, because they knew him.

And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed. And Simon and those who were with him searched for him, and they found him and said to him, ‘Everyone is looking for you.’ And he said to them, ‘Let us go on to the next towns, that I may preach there also, for that is what I came for.’ And he went throughout all Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and casting out demons.

Key Points:

1. Jesus comes close to the sick

He takes her by the hand and lifts her up—God’s compassion is personal, gentle, and restoring.

2. Healing leads to service

Simon’s mother-in-law responds by serving. Grace is not only received; it becomes love in action.

3. Jesus carries the weight of the crowd

“The whole city” gathers. Jesus does not turn away the needy—He meets suffering with mercy and power.

4. Prayer before mission

Even with endless demands, Jesus rises early to pray. Prayer is not optional—it is the source of strength and clarity.

5. Purpose over popularity

“Everyone is looking for you,” but Jesus chooses the Father’s mission over public attention, moving on to preach elsewhere.

Concluding Prayer:

Lord Jesus,

You lift up the sick and heal the broken.

Take us by the hand today—

raise us from what weakens us,

and restore our strength in body, mind, and spirit.

Teach us to respond to Your grace like Simon’s mother-in-law:

with gratitude expressed in loving service.

When life feels crowded with demands,

lead us to the “desolate place” of prayer,

so we may hear the Father’s voice and live with purpose.

Free us from chasing approval,

and help us choose faithfulness instead.

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

Tags: Catholic, Ordinary Time, Mark 1, Healing, Simon Peter, Mother-in-law, Fever, Prayer, Desolate Place, Mission, Preaching, Deliverance, Discipleship, Daily Gospel, Prayer, Catholic Podcast, Catholic Reflections

La autoridad del Santo de Dios

Este pasaje del Evangelio de Marcos ilustra el momento en que Jesús inicia su ministerio público manifestando una soberanía espiritual que lo distingue de los líderes religiosos de su época. La narrativa se estructura en torno a una enseñanza con autoridad, la cual trasciende el mero discurso retórico para demostrar un dominio real sobre las fuerzas del mal. Al expulsar a un espíritu inmundo con una sola orden, Jesús revela su identidad como el Santo de Dios, estableciendo una conexión directa entre sus palabras y su poder divino para restaurar. El propósito del texto es documentar cómo este asombroso equilibrio entre doctrina y acción milagrosa extendió rápidamente su fama, consolidándolo como una figura de trascendencia sobrenatural en toda Galilea.

¿De qué manera la autoridad de Jesús transforma la comprensión de las enseñanzas?

¿Cómo demuestra el encuentro con el espíritu inmundo la divinidad de Jesucristo?

¿Qué impacto genera el poder de Jesús en la comunidad de aquel tiempo?

Short reflection:

The Authority of the Holy One of God

This passage from the Gospel of Mark illustrates the divine sovereignty of Jesus as he begins his public ministry in Capernaum. Unlike the religious scholars of his time, Jesus demonstrates a commanding presence that bridges the gap between profound verbal instruction and the supernatural power required to expel demons. The narrative highlights a dramatic confrontation where even malevolent spirits recognize him as the Holy One of God, forced to submit to his spoken word. Ultimately, the text serves to establish Jesus's identity as a figure of unprecedented spiritual authority whose influence transcends human tradition and commands the natural and spiritual worlds alike.

Long Reflection:

Catholic Reflections – A New Teaching With Authority

Date: Tuesday 13 January 2026

Liturgical: Tuesday of week 1 in Ordinary Time

Outline:

• Opening prayer

• Gospel reading (full reading, word for word):

• Reflection on Jesus’ authority to teach and to free

• Key points for discipleship

• Concluding prayer

Gospel Mark 1:21-28 (full reading, word for word)

‘He taught them as one who had authority.’

Jesus and his disciples went into Capernaum, and immediately on the Sabbath Jesus entered the synagogue and was teaching. And they were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one who had authority, and not as the scribes. And immediately there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit. And he cried out, ‘What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are — the Holy One of God.’ But Jesus rebuked him, saying, ‘Be silent, and come out of him!’ And the unclean spirit, convulsing him and crying out with a loud voice, came out of him. And they were all amazed, so that they questioned among themselves, saying, ‘What is this? A new teaching with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him.’ And at once his fame spread everywhere throughout all the surrounding region of Galilee.

Key Points:

1. Jesus speaks with true authority

His word is not empty opinion—it is God’s truth spoken with power to change hearts.

2. The Holy One of God has come near

Even the unclean spirit recognises who Jesus is. His presence exposes darkness and brings light.

3. Jesus frees the oppressed

The Gospel is not only instruction; it is deliverance. Jesus restores dignity and peace to those who are bound.

4. Evil cannot negotiate with Christ

Jesus does not debate the spirit. He commands—and it must obey.

5. Amazement must become faith

The crowd is impressed, but the invitation is deeper: to trust Jesus’ authority in our own lives and let Him set us free.

Concluding Prayer:

Lord Jesus, Holy One of God,

speak Your word into our hearts with authority.

Teach us the truth that saves,

and give us the humility to obey it.

Free us from whatever binds us—

sin, fear, resentment, addiction, and despair.

Silence every voice that pulls us away from You,

and fill us with Your peace.

Let Your presence drive away darkness in our lives

and make us witnesses of Your power and mercy.

May our amazement become living faith,

and our faith become a life of discipleship.

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

Tags: Catholic, Ordinary Time, Mark 1, Capernaum, Synagogue, Authority of Jesus, Holy One of God, Deliverance, Unclean Spirit, Spiritual Freedom, Healing, Discipleship, Daily Gospel, Prayer, Catholic Podcast, Catholic Reflections