Mk 1:29–39
On leaving the synagogue, Jesus went to the home of Simon and Andrew with James and John. As Simon’s mother-in-law was sick in bed with fever, they immediately told him about her. Jesus went to her and, taking her by the hand, raised her up. The fever left her and she began to wait on them. That evening at sundown, people brought to Jesus all the sick and those who had evil spirits: the whole town was pressing around the door. Jesus healed many who had various diseases, and drove out many demons; but he did not let them speak, for they knew who he was.
Very early in the morning, before daylight, Jesus went off to a lonely place where he prayed. Simon and the others went out also, searching for him; and when they found him, they said,
Everyone is looking for you.
Then Jesus answered,
Let us go to the nearby villages so that I may preach there too; for that is why I came.
So Jesus set out to preach in all the synagogues throughout Galilee; he also cast out demons.
REFLECTION
READ: The first reading describes the situation of one who suffers: boredom, grief and misery. The gospel reading provides remedy to those suffering of illness by giving relief from attack of bad spirits and healing from sickness telling us that the evil that exists in the world can be defeated. The second reading admonishes us that the best way to serve our brothers and sisters is to proclaim the Gospel to them.
REFLECT: How do you see suffering in your personal and communitarian experience? Is it a punishment or a moment to redirect us towards God? Nurturing one’s relationship with God and others is not exempted from trials and sufferings; yet we are not afraid for we are assured of God’s continued comforting and loving presence if only we open our heart and soul to God day and night, in good and in bad times.
PRAY: Lord, make us docile to the promptings of your Holy Spirit, guiding us every day of our lives. Show us the way to face our daily chores with firm faith and hope in your loving and comforting presence in our lives. Amen.
ACT: Identify the most challenging experience you have these past days and try to discern what God is calling you to do now in your life. Say to yourself: “Have a time to relax and allow God to work in you!”
CLARETIAN COMMUNICATIONS FOUNDATION, INC.
8 Mayumi Street, U.P. Village, Diliman, 1101 Quezon City, Philippines
Tel.: (02) 921-3984 • Fax: (02) 921-6205, 927-7429
Bookstore: (02) 924-6835
Email: ccfi@claretianpublications.com / cci@claret.org
Website: www.claretianpublications.com
