From Living Faith Daily Catholic Devotions (Jan/Feb/Mar 2026)

First Week in Ordinary Time

1 Samuel 1:1-8 + Psalm 116:12-19 + Mark 1:14-20

Unlocking Resentment

Her rival, to upset her, turned it into a constant reproach… 1 Samuel 1:6

The First Book of Samuel relates the story of Elkanah, a husband with two wives.  Peninnah bears him children. Hannah does not.  Elkanah loves Hannah and feels bad for her. That doesn’t go over well with Peninnah. She taunts Hannah for being childless. That bothers Hannah to no end. And so, harmony evades them.

Hard feelings have a way of taking up residence in our souls, don’t they? How much easier it is to find fault with others – especially if that lets us off the hook! Here’s the thing: God counts on us to make peace in our corner of the world. That’s a tall order. But we need to let go of our own wounds. You never know – an unflinching look inward may unlock your own resentments and put them to rest. After all, that baggage only weighs us down – Jesus did encourage us to travel light.

□ Gail Goleas

Travel light with other faith-filled pilgrims in 2026. Visit LivingFaith.com/pilgrimages to learn about our upcoming pilgrimage tours.