Sunday Gospel Reflection

In order to prepare for our upcoming Sunday liturgy, families are encouraged to read and reflect upon the gospel we will hear at Mass.

5th Sunday in Ordinary Time
February 5, 2012

On leaving the synagogue
Jesus entered the house of Simon and Andrew with James and John.
Simon's mother-in-law lay sick with a fever.
They immediately told him about her.
He approached, grasped her hand, and helped her up.
Then the fever left her and she waited on them.

When it was evening, after sunset,
they brought to him all who were ill or possessed by demons.
The whole town was gathered at the door.
He cured many who were sick with various diseases,
and he drove out many demons,
not permitting them to speak because they knew him.

Rising very early before dawn, he left
and went off to a deserted place, where he prayed.
Simon and those who were with him pursued him
and on finding him said, "Everyone is looking for you."
He told them, "Let us go on to the nearby villages
that I may preach there also.
For this purpose have I come."
So he went into their synagogues,
preaching and driving out demons throughout the whole of Galilee.

Mt 1:29-39

“For this purpose have I come.”

Imagine Simon’s mother-in-law’s surprise when five men enter their home. She is sick with a fever and therefore cannot provide the hospitality that was common at that time. Jesus takes her hand and helps her up. Her fever leaves immediately and she begins to serve her visitors. When I am sick, it takes me a while to get back on my feet and serve anyone. I usually just want to relax and take it easy for awhile. But not with Simon’s mother-in-law; she immediately starts to wait on the five men. Is she that much stronger than me? Or is it that her faith is that much stronger than mine? Or does Jesus make us stronger when He heals us?

Perhaps there is more to Mark’s story than meets the eye. Mark may be foreshadowing the resurrection and what significance it should have for all of us. He may be relaying to us the reason that Jesus became man and the message He wanted us to understand. Jesus came to spread the Gospel and to serve. Through his death and resurrection, He calls us to be the “body of Christ” and to continue His mission. This gospel is about healing…not only of Simon’s mother-in-law…or the many who flocked to Simon’s door…but the healing of all of us who are baptized in God’s name. Our baptisms are our personal resurrection or “rising up” where we are called to be Jesus’ disciples…where we are commissioned to serve others.

1. Simon’s mother-in-law was shown love and then called to share it. How can you share your love this week?
2. Do you know someone who needs healed? How can you help them?
3. How do you reach out and preach to others?

The above excerpt is from the Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States of America, second typical edition
© 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Inc., Washington, DC.