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A Reading from the Book of Job
Jb 7:1-4, 6-7
In the framework of a folktale, a Hebrew sage tries to approach the mystery of suffering. If possible, take time today to read the prologue: Job 1:1-22, 2:1-13, and the epilogue: 42:7-17, which constitute the original folktale. Between those sections the author composed the poetical dialogues on the problem of suffering, but no clear solution is offered. Today's passage is very pessimistic about the human condition. Notice that the author of Job did not have a clear idea of a life hereafter, which is formed part of the fuller revelation brought us by Christ.
We should connect this passage with the healing ministry of Jesus in the Gospel and the Responsorial Psalm: "Praise the Lord . . . , [who] heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds."
The Responsorial Psalm is that that we put our trust in Jesus because of his love and kindness and that he has done great things for us, so we should be filled with joy and love for him and thoro be like him.
in your self-giving. He raises up the lowly from the dust; from the dunghill he lifts up the poor. Our help is from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. The Lord hears the cry of the poor!
A Reading, From the First Letter of Saint Paul to the Corinthians
1 Cor 9:16-19,22-23
Paul considered it his call in life, his duty, to preach the Gospel. And he asked for no reward, though he could rightly expect it. Jesus had told his disciples: "The laborer deserves his payment." Paul did not want to make full use of the authority that the Gospel gave him. He earned his living by tentmaking. This is only one of the qualities that made him a great man.
In the Gospel of Mark
Mk 1:29-39
In reading about the healing ministry of the Lord Jesus, we should keep in mind that the ancient Hebrews did not see a scientific relation between medication and healing, as we do. Their understanding of medication was mainly a magical one. Sickness was caused by evil spirits. Hence, a sick person turned first of all to the priest or a holy man for help. Healing was identical with expelling demons. Thus, the ministry of healing is one of the signs of the messianic era, the time of salvation from the power of Satan and of God's kingdom on earth. Proclaiming the good news and healing went hand in hand. According to Mark, these healings foreshadowed the ultimate healing of all the brokenhearted by Jesus' death on the cross.
When we are depressed and suffering, and perhaps tempted to think as Job did, we should meditate on our Lord's death and resurrection, and see pain as our passage to eternal life with him.
Newsy Notes
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Deacon Bob Brazier, CRE
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REMEMBER:
"1st Communion"
2nd Graders get ready!
Your first time for receiving Communion is here .
We will be having a 1st Communion meeting in the Faith Formation Room on February 4th at 11:15am.
CONFIRMATION
Address future PSR and Sacramental Preparation Questions to:
Deacon Bob Brazier at bbrazier@sttm.org
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