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Fifth Sunday of Ordinary Time, Cycle B
February 5, 2012
First Reading
Job laments his sufferings and his life.
Responsorial Psalm
A song of praise for the Lord's goodness to
the lowly.
Second Reading
Gospel Reading
Background on the Gospel Reading
Today we continue to read from Mark's Gospel, learning more about the
ministry of Jesus. Jesus cured Simon's mother-in-law, and she
immediately began to serve Jesus and his disciples. Jesus also cured
many others who were brought to him, healing their illnesses and driving
out demons. As we will see throughout Mark's Gospel, Jesus did not
permit the demons to speak because they knew his identity and would have
revealed it to those who were present.
On the morning after this busy day, Jesus retreated in prayer, but was
pursued by Simon and others who brought news that many people were
looking for him. At this point in Mark's Gospel, we begin to see a
distinct role for the inner circle of Jesus' disciples—they act as
intermediaries between Jesus and the people. Jesus reports to his
disciples that they need to leave Capernaum to preach in other places.
Today's Gospel completes a picture of Jesus' ministry: preaching, curing
the sick, driving out demons, and then moving on to continue this work
in another place. Mark's Gospel tells us that Jesus did this throughout
Galilee.
Jesus' compassion and healing of the sick is a sign of the Kingdom of
God. The Church continues to extend Christ's healing presence to others
in its ministry to the sick. In the Sacrament of the Anointing of the
Sick, the Church prays for spiritual and physical healing, forgiveness
of sins, and comfort for those who are suffering from illness.
In today's Gospel we also notice the importance of
prayer in Jesus' daily life. Jesus rose early
in the morning, removed himself from the crowds, and went to a deserted
place to pray. When the disciples found him, he told them that it was
time to move on. We believe that in his prayers Jesus found guidance and
direction from God. We also bring our decision-making to God in prayer,
asking for his guidance and direction in our lives.
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