FIFTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR B

Job 7,1-4. 6-7
Psalm 146,1-6
1Corinthians 9,16-19. 22-23
Mark 1, 29-39

ENCOUNTERING JESUS THE HEALER

Sometimes, life can seem meaningless, absurd and pure drudgery, especially when we are faced with the reality of suffering and evil. “The Catechism of the Catholic Church” says: “Illness and suffering have always been among the gravest problems confronted in human life. In illness man experiences his powerlessness, his limitations and his finitude… Illness can lead to anguish, self-absorption, sometimes even despair and revolt against God” (1500 -1501).

Today’s readings present us with people who were confronted with sickness. Faced with undeserved suffering, Job wondered at the absurdity and boringness of human life. And yet, at the end, he turns to God in prayer (Job 7,1-4.6-7). The Responsorial psalm is a song to God, he who “heals the broken-hearted and binds up all their wounds” (Ps. 146,1-6).

In the gospel, Simon’s mother-in-law and the many people who were sick and possessed by devils encountered Jesus and received healing and deliverance (Mark 1, 29-39). When we meet Jesus, he gives a new meaning to our life conditions. He is not only our healer par excellence, but also shares our sufferings. He is touched by our sufferings, miseries, cries and anguish. 

This healing and restoring power of Jesus indeed has transformed our lives, making us whole so as to be at the service of all. Thus, St Paul considers it a duty to preach Christ in order to free others. He makes himself the slave of everyone, offering to all the Good News of Jesus without asking for anything in return (1Cor. 9,16-19. 22-23).

In any situation, let us remember that it is only Jesus who can give wholeness and meaning to our life. May he heal us, bless us and keep all of us under his transforming power.

Amen