By David Peter csc –
Readings: Job 7:1-4, 6-7; 1Cor 9:16-19, 22-23; Mk 1: 29-39
Today we are in the fifth Sunday of the ordinary time. The readings of the day encourage and invite us, to proclaim the Gospel to everyone through words and deeds. St. Paul in the second reading reveals himself as a person entrusted to proclaim the Gospel. The words of Paul, “Woe to me if I do not proclaim the Gospel” show us his love for proclaiming the true Gospel.
Paul through his lifestyle invites us to place ourselves in the shoes of the other in order to have solidarity with everyone by becoming weak to the weak and slave to all.
The gospel has two parts. The first part of the Gospel reveals the healing ministry of Jesus. The second reveals Jesus’ commitment in proclaiming the message to everyone. Prayer, or communion with his Father, is the source of strength for Jesus to do his ministry. Prayer helps him to discern God’s plan and strengthens him to do it with total acceptance. Today, we all search for Jesus and seek him in prayer. Let us ask ourselves why do we seek Jesus? Is it out of love we seek Jesus or for the fulfillment of selfish motives? Let us seek Jesus in prayer to discern God’s plan for our daily life and proclaim the Gospel to everyone through our words and deeds.