Mark 1:29-39

Job 7:1-4, 6-7

Psalm 147:1-2, 3-4, 5-6

1 Corinthians 9:16-19, 22-23

Mark 1:29-39

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.

Opening Prayer: Lord God, the path of my life is mysterious. From all eternity, you knew how it would and will unfold. I renew my trust in you today that you will continue to guide me and care for me. Lead me along the right path. Sustain me when I struggle.

Encountering the Word of God

1. Job’s Response to Eliphaz about Suffering: The First Reading is part of Job’s response to his friend Eliphaz. Eliphaz tried to explain that sin was the cause of Job’s sufferings, that Job should not claim that he is innocent, and that Job should humble himself and repent (Job 4:1-5:27). Job replies to Eliphaz that his conscience is clear and truly wants to know what sin he has committed (Job 6:24). Job reflects on the drudgery of life and how brief it is (Job 7:1-7). He ends his first response to Eliphaz with a prayer of lament that reveals his deep suffering has begun to warp his view of God’s goodness (Job 7:7-21). Job mistakenly thinks that God only wants to punish wrongdoing and is withholding forgiveness of his sins. The story of Job is a powerful invitation to ponder the mystery of evil and suffering and teaches us that God is not the cause of evil, that God restrains the forces of evil, that God mysteriously permits the innocent and righteous to suffer, and that God directs all things through his providence. Like Job, we are encouraged to be humble before the mystery of suffering. Although God is not the cause of evil or suffering, God sometimes permits us to suffer as a divine discipline for our sins. At other times, God permits us to suffer to test us, to increase our virtue, and to purify our love.

2. Jesus’ Mission to Alleviate Suffering: The Gospel of Mark narrates a day in the life of Jesus in Capernaum on the Sabbath. After teaching in the synagogue and casting out an unclean spirit, Jesus goes to the house of Simon and Andrew and heals Simon’s mother-in-law. When the Sabbath ended that evening, the people of Capernaum brought their sick to be healed and the possessed to be freed. On Sunday morning, Jesus rose before dawn to pray before continuing his mission of preaching, healing, and driving out demons in Galilee. Unlike the lament of Job about his life, the earthly life of Jesus does not give the impression of drudgery, months of misery, or restlessness during the night. The life of Jesus is one of service, teaching, healing, and mercy. He goes from village to village bringing the healing power of God and the divine mercy. He is establishing the reign of God in Galilee and bringing the reign of the devil to an end. 

3. Preaching the Gospel: Paul tells the Corinthians that he has been given a mission from God and is obligated to preach the Gospel. For Paul, the Gospel is the power of God (Romans 1:16). The Gospel is proclaimed in words, reveals the righteousness and fidelity of God, is administered through the Sacraments of the Church, and is received as grace. It is the Good News of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. Healed and empowered by grace, we can live the law of charity to the full.

Conversing with Christ: Lord Jesus, you give me the supreme example of innocent suffering. You were eager to drink the chalice of suffering and prayed that your Father’s will be accomplished. You were sent to save the world. You are my loving Savior! I humbly ask that you help me to persevere in your love until the end.

Resolution: What is my attitude towards suffering? Do I know how to lament properly in prayer? Or do I end up blaming God or complaining about my situation? How can I better imitate Jesus when I suffer or when I see others suffer?