Mark 1:40-45

Reflection

A leper comes to Jesus and asks for healing, which is granted. Then Jesus stays in deserted places because of his growing fame, yet people still come to him from everywhere.

When we want to encounter Jesus, do we go out into the busy and noisy world, or do we retreat to the silent, deserted places in our heart? Jesus wants to meet us in the stillness of our hearts, where we can speak, listen, and rest.

How often do you take time to meet with our Lord in that deserted place of your heart, where there is nothing and nobody except you and him? In prayer, practice doing this and invite yourself to be completely open to him. Jesus is always in the desert waiting for us; we must go to him in that space and surrender ourselves to him.

Saint of the Day

St. Valerius of Sorrento: died AD 453

St. Valerius was a hermit for most of his life, living near Sorrento. Eventually, he was chosen to become bishop of Sorrento because of his great holiness. He continued to live a simple life until he died of natural causes. St. Valerius, pray for us!