Sunday Reflections

 

Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Feb 5 2012

The first reading today details Job’s attitude in striking contrast to Jesus’.   Job complains of the tedium

and futility of life and the miseries of human existence. But eventually Job surrenders himself,

his suffering, his work and everything he had lost to the greater wisdom of God (Job 42:1-6). 

The psalmist in today’s responsorial psalm sings praises to God because He is busy full-time

 in gathering Israel from their captivity, in healing the broken hearted and bandaging their wounds,

in controlling the universe, in sustaining the lowly and in punishing the wicked.

The second reading presents Paul as a true and dynamic follower of Jesus, ready to do

something extra for his Lord by preaching the gospel without recompense.  Pointing out

 the spontaneous response of Peter’s mother-in-law after she had been healed by Jesus, 

today’s gospel teaches us  that true discipleship means getting involved in giving selfless

service to others.  During the Sabbath day, Jesus took part in the synagogue worship,

taught with authority, exorcised a demon, healed Simon’s mother-in-law and, in the evening,

 “cured many who were sick with various diseases, and drove out many demons.” Thus, Jesus spent

himself and most of his time ministering to the needs of others, giving healing, forgiveness

 and new beginning to many. Yet, Jesus rose early the next morning and went off

to a lonely place to pray, in order to assess his work before God his Father and to recharge

his spiritual batteries.

 We need to be instruments for Jesus’ healing.  Bringing healing and wholeness is Jesus’

ministry even today.  We all need healing of our minds, our memories and our

broken relationships.  But Jesus now uses counsellors, doctors, friends or even

strangers in his healing ministry.    Let us ask for the ordinary healing we need

in our own lives.  When we are healed, let us not forget to thank Jesus for his

 goodness, mercy, and compassion, by turning to serve others.  Our own healing

 process is completed only when we are ready to help others in their needs. Let us

be instruments for Jesus’ healing by visiting the sick and praying for their healing.  

But let us remember that we need the Lord’s strength.  We need to live for others

as Jesus did: Jesus was a man for others, sharing what he had with others.

 In his life there was time for prayer, time for healing and time for reconciliation.

 Let us take up this challenge by sharing love, mercy, compassion and forgiveness

with others.  Instead of considering life as dull and boring, let us live our lives

as Jesus did, full of dynamism and zeal for the glory of God.

 

 

 

 

Fourth Sunday In Ordinary Time

"Oh that Today you would listen to his voice"

 

 2. But there was greater to come. "Your God will raise up for you a prophet like myself, from among yourselves, from your own brothers, to him you must listen". In today's gospel this prophecy is fulfilled. We see Jesus making a deep impression on the people. He speaks with authority. He is the Son of God the Father. He spoke from the heart as one who knew the Father. This is clear from his words and actions, from his teachings and miracles. He is an upright person full of honesty and integrity. He speaks with authority because he is sent by God.

 

 3. After his Resurrection Jesus called his Apostles and said to them, "All authority in Heaven and on earth has been given to me. Going therefore teach all nations". Jesus appointed successors-Peter and the Apostles. The Pope and Bishops are their successors. United with the Pope, the Visible Head of the Church, the bishops proclaim the faith of the Church in the name of Christ. They are the teaching authority of the Church. The teaching Church speaks with authority because it continues the work of Christ. Christ's teaching comes to us through the Church. Let us pray today that we will see more clearly and respect the proper place of the Church's teaching authority in our lives.

 

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