014 Fifth Sunday of Ordinary Time

Readings

Cycle B 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time 

Old Testament: Job 7:1-4, 6-7

Psalm: Psalm 147

New Testament: 1 Corinthians 9:16-19, 22-23

Gospel: Mark 1:29-39

Homily Theme

A Healing Hand

In the first reading this week, Job has come to the end of his rope. He has experienced every possible type of suffering: the loss of personal wealth and property; loved ones and close family members; even painful sickness and the mockery of neighbors. It seems that God has allowed him to be tested beyond his strength. He says he will never see happiness again. But God will eventually send him a healing hand. There are many in our world who can relate to Job since they have experienced some, or even all, of the same pain and suffering as he did.

There are thousands who have lost their homes in foreclosures. We have many sick among us and those who have lost loved ones and family members also. Everyday, somewhere in the world there are disasters or wars that bring sudden death along with misery and despair. We should take comfort and inspiration in the psalm response this week. Let us praise the Lord who heals the brokenhearted, for we know He will send a healing hand for us in our needs and for those of our neighbors who are, like Job, in despair or nearly at the end of their rope.

Paul tells the Corinthians in the second reading that he became weak for the weak so that he could win over the weak for Christ. Jesus converted Saul so that he could be a healing hand for God to those whom he formerly persecuted and caused to suffer pain and death.

In the gospel Jesus heals Peter’s mother-in-law who was sick with a fever. He placed His sacred hand in hers and raised her up. Now, He needs our eyes to see the sick who need healing and our ears to hear their problems. He needs our hands to be His healing hands for those who suffer pain of any kind. Jesus needs our hearts to love the sinner and those who do not know Him or of His love for them. Will we make an attempt to reach out to grasp the hand of someone sick or in despair? Let us all make an effort this week to be...

A Healing Hand.