📖 Daily Mass Readings — Thursday, 15 January 2026
(Thursday of the First Week in Ordinary Time)
Opening Prayer
Lord God,
Your Son came to heal what is broken and restore what is lost.
Open our eyes to recognise Your presence among us,
and give us humble hearts to receive Your mercy.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
🕊️ First Reading
1 Samuel 4:1–11
Israel faces a heavy defeat against the Philistines. In desperation, the elders bring the Ark of the Covenant into battle, hoping that its presence will save them. Yet the army suffers great loss, and even the ark is captured.
Reflection:
The Israelites put their trust in a sacred object rather than in God Himself. The lesson for us: God is not a magic talisman — He desires a relationship of trust and obedience, not frantic seeking of signs when trouble comes.
Application:
When we struggle — in prayer, in relationships, in health — ask:
Am I seeking God Himself, or just His help?
Turn to Him in sincere trust, not in desperation alone.
🎵 Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 44:10–11, 14–15, 25–26
“Redeem us, Lord, because of Your mercy.”
This psalm expresses a deep longing for rescue and restoration. It acknowledges suffering yet clings to hope in God's steadfast love.
Application:
In moments of weakness or humiliation, let this prayer rise from your heart. Let it guide your growth in patience and dependence on God.
✝️ Alleluia
Alleluia. Jesus preached the Gospel of the Kingdom and healed every disease among the people. Alleluia. (cf. Matthew 4:23)
📘 Gospel
Mark 1:40–45
A man suffering from leprosy approaches Jesus, kneels before Him, and pleads: “If You will, You can make me clean.” Jesus, moved with compassion, touches him and heals him instantly. He sends him to the priest with instructions, but the man goes and proclaims the miracle everywhere, making it hard for Jesus to enter towns publicly.
Explanation:
Leprosy symbolised ritual and social uncleanliness. Jesus not only heals the man physically but restores him to community and worship. His touch is a sign that God draws near to those who suffer — even to those society pushes away.
Application:
We are often like the leper: aware of our wounds, insecurities, and need for mercy. Jesus’ response teaches us:
✅ Approach Christ with faith, even when you feel unworthy
✅ His healing is personal and transformative
✅ His mercy restores relationships and belonging
Ask yourself: What am I hesitant to bring before Jesus today? Then bring it with confidence in His compassion.
🙏 Closing Prayer
Lord Jesus Christ,
You reached out to the suffering and made them whole.
Touch us with Your healing love,
that we may see Your presence in every moment of need,
trust in Your mercy,
and proclaim Your goodness to all.
Through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
🧠 Catechism Connection (CCC Themes to Reflect On)
Trust in God’s Providence
The First Reading highlights the human tendency to rely on signs rather than on God Himself. The Catechism teaches that true faith is trusting God’s will, not just seeking miraculous outcomes (CCC 1816–1820).
Healing and Compassion of Christ
Jesus’ touch of the leper reveals His authority over sickness and His willingness to restore dignity. The Catechism emphasises that Christ’s healing continues in the Church through prayer and sacraments, especially the Anointing of the Sick (CCC 1507–1513).
📌 Practical Takeaways for Today
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Begin with trust, not desperation — offer God everything with sincere faith.
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Seek healing in community — prayer and sacrament help reintegrate the brokenhearted.
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Live mercy forward — after receiving God’s compassion, be a source of mercy for others.
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