V Sunday in OT – Job 7:1-4, 6-7; 1Cori 9:16-19, 22-23; Mk 1:29-39

V Sunday in OT-[2015]– Job 7:1-4, 6-7; 1Cori 9:16-19, 22-23; Mk 1:29-39

Introduction: Today’s readings challenge us to avoid Job’s pessimistic and cynical view of life as a chain of pain and sufferings and to accept it with hope and optimism as a precious gift from God, using it to do good for others and spending our time, talents and lives for others as Jesus did and as St. Paul did.

Exegesis:  Pointing out the spontaneous response of Peter’s mother-in-law after she had been healed by Jesus, today’s Gospel passage teaches us  that true discipleship means getting involved in giving selfless service to others.  During the Sabbath day, Jesus took part in the synagogue worship, taught with authority, exorcised a demon, healed Simon’s mother-in-law and, after sundown, “cured many who were sick with various diseases, and drove out many demons.” Thus, Jesus spent himself and most of his time ministering to the needs of others, giving healing, forgiveness and a new beginning to many. Yet, Jesus rose early the next morning and went off "to a deserted place" to pray, in order to assess his work before God his Father and to recharge his spiritual energy.

Joke:  During the last Sunday service that the visiting pastor was to spend at the church he had served for some months, his hat was passed around for goodwill, farewell offering. When it returned to the pastor, it was empty. The pastor didn’t flinch. He raised the hat to heaven. "I thank you, Lord, that I got my hat back from this congregation."

Practical applications: 1) We need to be instruments for Jesus’ healing work.  Bringing healing and wholeness is Jesus’ ministry even today.  We all need healing of our minds, our memories and our broken relationships.  But Jesus now uses counselors, doctors, friends or even strangers in his healing ministry.    Let us ask for the ordinary healing we need in our own lives.  When we are healed, let us not forget to thank Jesus for his goodness, mercy, and compassion by turning to serve others.  Our own healing process is completed only when we are ready to help others in their needs and to focus on things outside ourselves.  Let us also be instruments for Jesus’ healing by visiting the sick and praying for their healing.  But let us remember that we need the Lord’s strength not only to make ourselves and others well, but to make us and others whole.  

2) We have learned about seven corporal works of mercy. Such as 1) feed the hungry. 2) give drink to the thirsty. 3) clothe the naked. 4) harbour the harbourless / the Homeless. 5) visit the sick. 6) visit the imprisoned. 7) bury the dead. In short it is Giving what you have and Giving your presence.

Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time:  Introduction

Message: Job’s cry of hopelessness stands in marked contrast to the hope of those who put their trust in Jesus, who “heals” the broken hearted and binds up their wounds”, such are the blessings of the good news.

Saints and Events in this week:  10 – Tuesday – Saint Scholastica, Virgin; 11 – Wednesday – Our Lady of Lourdes; 14 – Saturday – Saints Cyril, Monk, and Methodius, Bishop;