Reflection Date: February 09, 2026 Monday of the Fifth Week in Ordinary Time
Daily Readings: 1 Kings 8:1-7, 9-13, Mark 6:53-56
Children of God: Gennesaret was a fertile plain on the northwestern shore of the Sea of Galilee. It was known in antiquity for its rich soil and abundant harvests, making it one of the most productive areas in the region.
Ancient historians like Josephus praised its climate, saying almost every kind of plant could grow there. Fishermen passed through it regularly because it was close to major trade routes.
Villages around Gennesaret were densely populated compared to other rural areas of Galilee. The lake nearby provided livelihood, food, and transport. Because of commerce, news traveled fast in this area.
People from surrounding towns could easily gather when something important happened. Gennesaret was not a quiet retreat but a busy and open place. It was the kind of location where encounters could quickly become communal experiences.
Jesus arrives precisely in this kind of place. When people recognize him, they do not hesitate to bring the sick and the suffering to where he is.
What are our inspirations for today?
First, faith moves quickly when the presence of Jesus is recognized.
When Jesus arrived at Gennesaret, people immediately recognized him as soon as he stepped ashore. They knew that where Jesus is, something life-giving happens.
Because of this recognition, people ran through the whole region bringing the sick on mats (Mark 6:55). Faith is shown in action and urgency. They refused to delay hope.
This challenges believers today to ask how quickly they respond when grace is near.
Second, even the smallest contact with Jesus carries the power to heal.
In Gennesaret, the people begged just to touch the fringe of his cloak.
They believed that healing did not depend on elaborate rituals but on sincere faith. This reflects a deep confidence in who Jesus is.
Those who touched him were healed, regardless of where they came from (Mark 6:56). Towns, villages, and farms all became places of grace.
This reminds us that grace often comes through simple gestures. Small acts of faith, when rooted in trust, can open the door to profound healing.
Children of God: Gennesaret teaches us that ordinary places can become sacred when Jesus is welcomed.
The gospel shows us the kind of people who refused to let opportunity pass by. Their faith was practical, urgent, and hopeful.
Christ continues to pass through our lives. The question is whether we notice and respond. Faith that moves toward Jesus never goes unrewarded. Even small gestures can carry deep grace.
May we be a people who run toward hope.
Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), a media platform of the Catholic Church, aims to share Christ. RVA started in 1969 as a continental Catholic radio station to serve Asian countries in their respective local language, thus earning the tag “the Voice of Asian Christianity.” Responding to the emerging context, RVA embraced media platforms to connect with the global Asian audience via its 21 language websites and various social media platforms.
Latest News
