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

Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children

1 Samuel 18:6-9, 19:1-7 + Psalm 56:2-3, 9-13 + Mark 3:7-12 + James 3:13-18 + John 14:23-29

Fearless

Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid. John 14:27

The Church offers several options for today, including readings for marking a Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children. Included in those readings is this Gospel, part of Jesus’ Last Supper discourse. It’s a stunner, really. Just look at what happened. Twice before facing Calvary, Jesus told his apostles: ” Do not let your hearts be troubled.” What?

Let that sink in.  Facing a brutal death, Jesus had something else on his mind. He was concerned most about the wellbeing of those closest to him. Here is perfect love – and perfect trust in the workings of God.

Anxious? Worried? Take a breath. Look beyond the present moment. Remember these words from Jesus in his last hours. He speaks them to us now.

In our prayers this day, let’s strive to hear Christ’s message of consolation and hope, his instructions to those who would soon become his Church on earth: “Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.” That is all we need to hear.

□ Dcn. Greg Kandra