Tuesday 17th January

Make space for silence 

The Apophthegmata Patrum is a 1,600-year-old collection of writings known as the Sayings of the Desert Fathers. These texts record the teachings of the earliest Christian monks, who congregated in the desert of Egypt. The wisest among these monks was Anthony the Abbot. He wrote: “Just as fish die if they stay too long out of water, so the monks who loiter outside their cells or pass their time with men of the world lose the intensity of inner peace.” When Christianity became politically accepted—and martyrdoms ceased—Anthony sought the desert to experience a different kind of sacrifice. There he found silence and solitude, too. Seek God in silence today.

Today's readings: Hebrews 6:10-20; Mark 2:23-28 (312).

Wednesday 18th January

There’s room in this big tent 

Every camper knows that it’s a stretch of the imagination to think that a fourperson tent can really fit four people! You’re lucky if two people and a backpack fit! In Catholic circles, however, tents have a different meaning. Instead of being short on space, this tent is expandable, able to include everyone, not just one or two. This image is core to the church’s “Synod on Synodality” in which all Catholics, including the marginalized, give voice to their experience and together discern God’s call. If you want more specs on this big tent, have a look at the USCCB website.

Today's readings: Hebrews 7:1-3, 15-17; Mark 3:1-6 (313).

Thursday 19th January

Come in from the cold

Christmas is over and Epiphany has faded. In much of the Northern Hemisphere, the days are cold and dark. This is when the warmth of the Christian tradition is more important than ever. Pope Francis has often encouraged Christians to practice their faith in warmth and kindness: “Let us light fires of fraternity around which people can warm themselves,” he said at a 2022 meeting with migrants in Malta. That’s advice we can all take to heart—and to hearth. Can you find a word or gesture today to add positive warmth to a wintery world?

Today's readings: Hebrews 7:25—8:6; Mark 3:7-12 (314).

Friday 20th January

Twelve is enough 

Twelve months of the year. Twelve inches in a foot. Twelve numbers on the face of a watch. We certainly like our twelves. So does the church. The most famous of course is the 12 apostles, often simply called the Twelve. There’s also the 12 days of Christmas and 12 fruits of the Holy Spirit. It’s not just that 12 is a handy number for grouping things, it also carries symbolic value. It signifies completion or fullness. Twelve eggs, for example, means you have a full carton. And 12 apostles means the church has everything it needs to preach the Good News. Count your spiritual blessings—by the dozen!

Today's readings: Hebrews 8:6-13; Mark 3:13-19 (315).

Saturday 21st January

No has always meant no 

As a young girl of 13 or 14, Agnes refused all suitors because she had betrothed herself to Christ. As punishment, she was taken to a brothel. One man attempted to violate her, only to be mysteriously struck blind—until Agnes restored his sight. Historical or not, this story reminds us that the scandal of child sex trafficking has always been, and still is, very much with us. Millions of girls and boys are kidnapped, bought and sold, exploited and violated for profit every year. You can help end childhood sex trafficking at the Save the Children and United Nations websites. Act in honor of courageous Agnes.

Today's readings: Hebrews 9:2-3, 11-14; Mark 3:20-21 (316).