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

Fifth Week in Ordinary Time

1 Kings 8:1-7, 9-13 + Psalms 132:6-10 + Mark 6:53-56

On Healing 

Whatever villages or towns or countryside he entered, they laid the sick in marketplaces and begged him that they might touch only the tassel on his cloak; and as many as touched it were healed. Mark 6:56

After a harmful experience I asked for some time and space to heal. My spiritual director and I agreed that I’d ask Jesus for healing graces for a whole year. I received the sacraments more frequently, I made are and rested. I connected with loved ones. I went on a mini-sabbatical, pausing ministry and going away to try the Ignation Spiritual Exercises retreat for thirty silent days. At the end of the year, when I thought I was nearly well, I went on a pilgrimage to Assisi and received even more graces.

During that year, it was as if each act became my own way of begging Jesus to let me touch the tassel on his cloak. And as I did, I was healed.

Jesus, open me to your healing graces today, and help me to be an instrument of your healing to others.

□ Sr. Julia Walsh, F.S.P.A.