February 4, 2018

5th Sun., Ordinary Time

February 4, 2018:  Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

  • 'When I grow up...' tie:  "I became all things to all..." (2nd reading)
  • 'Pierced hearts' suspenders:  "Praise the Lord, who heals the brokenhearted" (psalm)
  • 'Star' tie pin:  The Lord tells the number of the stars (psalm)
  • 'Phone' tie bar:  He calls each by name (psalm)
  • 'Owl' tie pin:  There's no limit to our Lord's wisdom and power (psalm)
  • 'Hand' tie pin:  Jesus grasped her hand and helped her up (gospel)
  • 'Car' pin:  Jesus 'drove' out many demons (gospel)
  • Green shirt:  Ordinary Time season
Listen

For Psalm 147
  • Fever/ Cooley, Blackwell (gospel-inspired)
Jesus' miracles awakened faith and urged his followers to serve the Lord and others.  Through healing the sick, he invited those present to respond in faith.  Healing of the body aims at healing the heart.  Once Jesus intervenes and you're freed from the grip of evil and regain your strength, you're invited to serve.
The townspeople crowded in front of where Jesus lived and brought the sick to him.  Jesus' powerful, liberating, renewing action is directed to a humanity scarred by suffering.
Jesus finds a secluded place to pray.  He didn't want people to misinterpret the power of his miracles.  His miracles require a response of faith, and they're accompanied by words that enlighten, arouse faith, and lead to conversion.  Go take Jesus' mission and saving message to the world!
Read

  • Jb 7:1-4, 6-7  Job:  Our life is drudgery; we're slaves.  I've been given misery, restlessness; I won't see happiness.
    'Thermometer' cloud
    (animate)
  • Ps 147:1-6  "Praise the Lord, who heals the brokenhearted."  The Lord is good, gracious, wise, mighty; he gathers the dispersed, binds wounds, calls by name, sustains the lowly...
  • 1 Cor 9:16-19, 22-23  Preaching the gospel is my obligation; I offer it free.  I've made myself a slave to win many over.  I've become all things to all, to save at least some.  I do this for the gospel's sake, so that I may have a share.
  • Mk 1:29-39  Simon’s mother-in-law lay sick with a fever.  Jesus grasped her hand, and helped her up; the fever left and she waited on them.  They brought him the sick and possessed; he cured many and drove out demons.  He rose early and left to pray, then went with his disciples to nearby villages to preach and drive out demons.
Reflect
  • Creighton:  Jesus spent the day healing the sick, and they kept coming. Jesus had to be worn out but kept serving. When he awoke, he found a deserted place to pray. Throughout Mark, Jesus appears to not want anyone know who he is; he just wants to proclaim the good news and heal.  How many servants fall away because of pride?  They make a name for themselves, then spend time marketing.  Jesus shows that it's possible to remain a humble servant even when you're famous; he never forgets his mission.  May God help us remember why we're sent and fulfill our calling as servants.
    Christ healing the mother of Simon Peter's wife/ Bridges
  • One Bread, One Body:  "I know my Redeemer lives":  Can you identify with Job in his misery?  God's plan is to be with us in our difficulties, not to spare us from them.  'Emmanuel' = "God is with us." Our actions in times of distress tell God whether we want Jesus with us or just want to be spared adversity.  With Jesus we can face adversity with hope, even joy.  "Though the fig tree blossom not,... though there be no herd in the stalls, I will rejoice in the Lord, my Strength."  Job saw the Lord even in his misery; he knew God was with him.  Know Jesus; know hope.  "Fix your eyes on Jesus."
  • Passionist:  "No rest for the good":  Once Simon's mother-in-law was healed, she waits on Jesus and his disciples, mirroring Jesus' generosity.  Then Jesus was called on to heal the crowds.  And he healed them!  Then he went away to pray, then to preach in other villages.  Paul says his missionary work comes from stewardship of God’s love shared with him; duty impels him to proclaim the Good News of Jesus.  Do I reflect the generous spirit of Jesus?  How do I spread the Good News?  How do I witness God’s love, life, and joy?  Go, grateful for your faith....
  • DailyScripture.net:  "Imagine staying asleep with Jesus standing before your bed.  Jesus is here offering himself to us, but you don't recognize him.  'His kingdom is in your midst.'  Faith beholds Jesus among us.  If we can't take his hand, let us prostrate ourselves at his feet and wash his feet with our tears.  Our repentance is his perfume" (St. Jerome).  Do I take my troubles to Jesus and allow him to be Lord and healer?  God restores us to health, service, and care of others.
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