Mark 1:29-39

Hebrews 2:14-18

Psalm 105:1-2, 3-4, 6-7, 8-9

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, I have experienced the healing touch of your Son in the waters of Baptism and at the throne of mercy in the confessional. I am humbled by how much you love me and care for me.

Encountering the Word of God

1. Entering Peter’s House on the New Sabbath: On the Sabbath in Capernaum, Jesus taught in the local synagogue and cast out a demon. And, on entering the house of Simon and Andrew, he healed Simon’s mother-in-law. He then had a meal with his new followers. These four actions anticipate our celebration of the New Sabbath, on Sunday. At mass, we listen to and are taught by the Word of God. At the beginning of mass, we confess our sins and receive forgiveness. At mass, we are spiritually healed. And, at mass, we dine with Jesus and receive the Bread of Life and the Chalice of Salvation. Every mass, we spiritually enter into the house of Simon Peter, a symbol of the Church.

2. Healing Ministry Sustained by Prayer: When the Sabbath is over, in the evening, at sunset, the people begin to bring all who were sick or possessed by demons to the door of Simon Peter’s house. The people came to Peter’s house and experienced God’s care and mercy through Jesus. They were healed in body and spirit. The four fishermen, recently called by Jesus to leave their nets, began to observe how their new ministry as followers of Jesus, would unfold. The nets of salvation they will cast to gather the people are spiritual nets of healing and mercy. Just as Jesus rose early in the morning to pray before setting out again to preach and heal, so also the disciples of Jesus need to build their ministry on prayerful communion with the Father. Apart from God, we can do nothing of lasting value; with God, however, all things are possible.

3. A Merciful and Faithful High Priest: The Letter to the Hebrews proclaims what Jesus has done for us. He assumed our human nature: “Since the children share in blood and Flesh, Jesus likewise share in them.” One of the reasons why the Son of God did this was to destroy the Devil and free us. He destroyed death by dying. He freed us from slavery by becoming a servant. Jesus was not sent to help the angels, but the children of Abraham. To help us, he became like us in every way but sin. He was tested like us and can help us who are being tested. He suffered like us and can help us persevere through suffering. He is our high priest with two important characteristics: faithful and merciful. On the one hand, he is worthy of our trust because he is our faithful God who did not fail when tested. On the other, he is merciful because he experienced what we experience and understands our situation.

Conversing with Christ: Lord Jesus, help me to see the mystery of the Church revealed in the humble house of Peter in Capernaum. All are welcome into this house and called to enter into it to receive your forgiveness, healing, and nourishment.

Living the Word of God: Who am I called to help come to the door of Peter’s house, the Church? Are there friends who I can invite to attend mass with me or a charitable event – for example, a food drive or service project – sponsored by the Church?