Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Also Read: Mass Readings for 04 February 2024 Homily for 04 February 2024 – Sunday
First Reading: Job 7: 1-4, 6-7
When I lie down I say, ‘When shall I rise?’ But the night is long, and I am full of tossing until dawn. (4)
Here, Job laments his condition. We know that the Bible is: “Indeed, the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing until it divides soul from spirit, joints from marrow; it is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” (Heb. 4:12) Therefore, we apply the words to our daily lives. There may be times when we literally toss and turn in our beds, lying awake at night for various reasons. We may need to alter our lifestyle a bit so that our last and first hour of the day is spent in contemplative living. We may need to detach and/or use the digital devices that claim our attention otherwise, to help us find rest! We could follow easy routines mentioned on the internet, one is listening to catholic affirmations or meditations as we fall asleep in God’s Word!
But above all, we must turn to the Prince of Peace each time we awaken and surrender our minds, souls, spirits, and bodies to him. Because ultimately all our efforts are meaningless if we try to battle it out on our own! We must humble our busy minds in docile attention to our Lord JESUS!
Amen!
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 147: 1-6
Praise the Lord! How good it is to sing praises to our God; for he is gracious, and a song of praise is fitting. The Lord builds up Jerusalem; he gathers the outcasts of Israel. (1-2)
Alleluia, Amen.
Second Reading: First Corinthians 9: 16-19, 22-23
If I proclaim the gospel, this gives me no ground for boasting, for an obligation is laid on me, and woe to me if I do not proclaim the gospel! (16)
To the weak, I became weak, so that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that I might by all means save some. (22)
As baptized Christians, we are called to proclaim the Good News of God! We do so by whatever means available to us in a godly manner. Most of the time it is our actions and behavior that speak a greater gospel message than any words, we might pronounce. Hence, following Gospel values and being humble in our attitude can help bring back some souls to Jesus! We practice what we preach! St. Francis of Assisi said: “Preach the Gospel at all times, when necessary use words!”
We ask Mother Mary to intercede for us, as we live the Gospel. Amen, Alleluia!
Gospel: Mark 1: 29-39
He answered, “Let us go on to the neighboring towns, so that I may proclaim the message there also; for that is what I came out to do.” (38)
It is said in the reading here that Peter hunted for him. (v.36) We too might hunt for Jesus, mostly with flawed intentions. Christ came and lived among His people, visited their homes, cured their sick, and fellowshipped with them. He administered to their every need, physical and spiritual, he knew their pain and joy. He lives with us too, experiencing the highs and lows of our lives. He is here and yet he reminds us as he told Peter, “Let us go…!” The gospel we receive must be shared further because this is the Kingdom of Heaven that is a seed inside of us. But when it is shared, it grows into the tree that provides shade and fruit! (Mt. 13:31-32) That is when we will be bearing the Kingdom Fruits!
In Jesus’ mighty and matchless name. Amen!
