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

First Week in Ordinary Time

1 Samuel 4:1-11 + Psalm 44:10-11, 14-15, 25-26 + Mark 1:40-45

Love as Service

…and people kept coming to him from everywhere. Mark 1:45

We’ve all had those days when everyone seems to be coming to us for something: “Mommy, I can’t find my shoes!” or “Sister, what did we have for homework last night?” (This is asked right before class is about to begin!) or the ominous “Honey, we need to talk.” When I am having one of those days, I remember Jesus. He was so hounded by the townspeople that he tried staying in the ‘deserted places’ beyond the city limits. But the people found him even there.

What kept Jesus going? It was his compassion and love for the people who hunted for him. It was also his regular practice of prayer that grounded him in the Father’s love for him and for everyone who came to him. It was his belief that the essence of love is service to others – even in small ways – like helping a child find his shoes.

Jesus, help me to serve others kindly today in big and little ways.

□ Sr. Melannie Svoboda, S.N.D.