Never Despair! ~ by Ronnie Archer
In the first reading today, we hear the account of Job's suffering and sorrow. Job was an upright and prosperous man, who lost everything he owned, including his family, as well as being stricken with a disease.
Job never complained of God, but he could not understand why he had to suffer. Later, in the book of Job, his friends, in trying to sympathize with him, told him that the suffering must be a punishment from God and a call to repent. Job did not accept that explanation and he called for a response from God, Himself. God did not answer him by justifying His action before men, but he referred to His own almighty power. Job was satisfied with that and later, he recovered everything two-fold and strengthened his faith and trust in God.
Our trials and sufferings are a test of our faith and trust in God.
In today's second reading, we hear of the dedication of St. Paul to preach the Gospel. Some of the Corinthian community did not accept Paul as an apostle, equal to the others, since he did not accept material support. He felt it his duty, given to him by God to preach the Gospel "free of charge, and he makes himself a slave to all, so as to win over as many as possible." He does all this for the sake of the Gospel, knowing that he too, will have a share in it.
Whenever we spread the Gospel, we also will have a share in it.
The Gospel of Mark reminds us again of the teaching and the healing ministry of Jesus. After Jesus' ministry in the synagogue, He entered the home of Simon and Andrew. Jesus was told about Simon's mother-in-law being sick with a fever. He grasped her hand, helped her up, and the fever left her. After her healing, she began to serve them.
Later in the day, others were brought to be healed, and gathered at the door. He healed those who were sick and cast out demons.
The next morning, Jesus arose very early. He went to a quiet place to pray. His friends and apostles went to find Him and told Him that "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 I have come."
Jesus recognized the fact that He needed to hear from His Father. No matter what others thought He should do, He had prayed with the Father and Jesus knew His Will.
When we have been blessed, and "helped to our feet," we are expected to also serve others.
~ Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time ~
Job never complained of God, but he could not understand why he had to suffer. Later, in the book of Job, his friends, in trying to sympathize with him, told him that the suffering must be a punishment from God and a call to repent. Job did not accept that explanation and he called for a response from God, Himself. God did not answer him by justifying His action before men, but he referred to His own almighty power. Job was satisfied with that and later, he recovered everything two-fold and strengthened his faith and trust in God.
Our trials and sufferings are a test of our faith and trust in God.
In today's second reading, we hear of the dedication of St. Paul to preach the Gospel. Some of the Corinthian community did not accept Paul as an apostle, equal to the others, since he did not accept material support. He felt it his duty, given to him by God to preach the Gospel "free of charge, and he makes himself a slave to all, so as to win over as many as possible." He does all this for the sake of the Gospel, knowing that he too, will have a share in it.
Whenever we spread the Gospel, we also will have a share in it.
The Gospel of Mark reminds us again of the teaching and the healing ministry of Jesus. After Jesus' ministry in the synagogue, He entered the home of Simon and Andrew. Jesus was told about Simon's mother-in-law being sick with a fever. He grasped her hand, helped her up, and the fever left her. After her healing, she began to serve them.
Later in the day, others were brought to be healed, and gathered at the door. He healed those who were sick and cast out demons.
The next morning, Jesus arose very early. He went to a quiet place to pray. His friends and apostles went to find Him and told Him that "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 I have come."
Jesus recognized the fact that He needed to hear from His Father. No matter what others thought He should do, He had prayed with the Father and Jesus knew His Will.
When we have been blessed, and "helped to our feet," we are expected to also serve others.
~ Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time ~
Labels: sundayreflection
posted by mary ann @ Sunday, February 08, 2009
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