Sunday, February 8, 2015
Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 74 (NAB Translation)(Jerusalem Bible Translation)
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Reading 1
Job 7:1-4, 6-7
This first reading from the Prophet Job is very characteristic of this classic prophet. You can clearly hear a tone of suffering in the excerpt from a conversation between Job and his friends. This is a unique story for this part in the history of the Hebrews because it shows that there is no connection between the suffering and God’s anger.
Sometimes when we suffer, we are quick to pity ourselves and feel as if God has abandoned us. Job is challenging us to trust in the providence of God and remain confident that the Lord is always with us, even when it feels like He has left.
Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 147:1-2, 3-4, 5-6
- (cf. 3a) Praise the Lord, who heals the brokenhearted.
Reading 2
1 Corinthians 9:16-19, 22-23
This week’s second reading from St. Paul’s letter to the Church in Corinth is a continuation of our study of this epistle. The contemporaries of this area were very interested in the latest trending philosophies. St Paul wants to clarify that Christianity isn’t just another fad or an elite club of the most promising intellectuals.
This section of the letter also focuses on the importance of our credibility as Christians. We have been entrusted with a mission to preach and share the Gospel, and if we live as if it’s not important or ignoring our obligation to live it out, we fail that mission.
Alleluia
Matthew 8:17
- Alleluia, alleluia.
Christ took away our infirmities
and bore our diseases.
Gospel
Mark 1:29-39
This week’s Gospel from St. Mark shows us the relief that Jesus can bring to hearts in need. There are countless that come to receive healing and exorcisms to be relieved of the pain and chains that keep from them from freedom. Jesus even states that this was a purpose for His coming in His Incarnation. The most notable section is that Jesus went out of His way to be alone with the Father in prayer to center His mission.
In our fast paced world, it’s easy to lose track of the last time we spent in intimate prayer with our Lord. When our lives are full of other things, we can easily become overwhelmed and unaware of how much we need to return to prayer until things start to fall apart.
Gospel Meditation from Bishop Vásquez
Reflection question
Jesus woke early and went off to a deserted place to pray. Do you practice daily prayer? If not, begin by setting a few minutes aside every day for prayer.
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