Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Mass Readings

• First Reading Job 7:1-4, 6-7
• Responsorial Psalm Psalm 147:1-2, 3-4, 5-6
• Second Reading 1 Corinthians 9:16-19, 22-23
• Gospel Mark 1:29-39

Open the Mass Readings on USCCB.org →

Step Into the Story

The Book of Job was likely written between the sixth and fourth centuries B.C., but it is set in the land of Uz, in a patriarchal age when wealth was counted in camels. Job loses his children, his herds and his health, and his friends explain that he must have deserved it. He refuses the explanation. “My days are swifter than a weaver’s shuttle,” he groans. Paul, writing around 54 A.D., insists he preaches to Corinth free of charge.

1. 63 B.C.Pompey takes Jerusalem
2. 4 B.C.Antipas rules Galilee
3. 14 A.D.Tiberius becomes emperor
4. c. 20 A.D.Antipas founds Tiberias
5. This week’s scene: late 20s A.D.Healing at Simon’s door

It is still the same Sabbath in Capernaum, in the late 20s A.D. Leave the synagogue with Jesus, Simon, Andrew, James and John, and cross to Simon’s house, a cluster of basalt rooms around a courtyard. Inside, Simon’s mother-in-law lies burning with fever. The first pope, it seems, had a family. Watch Jesus take her hand.

Now wait for the sun to go down. When the Sabbath ends, carrying is allowed again, and the whole town comes. Hear sandals scuffing in the lane, a child crying, the sick carried on mats. Smell lamp oil as the lamps are lit. The courtyard fills, and the crowd spills through the gate. Find a place against the wall, close to the door, and watch Him move among the sick.

Encounter the Lord

Stand at the door of Peter’s house as the sun goes down. The whole town has gathered, carrying the sick on mats. Jesus moves among them, healing. Earlier He took a feverish woman by the hand and raised her up, and she began to serve them.

Then, before dawn, He slips away to pray. The crowds want more, and Peter comes looking for Him: “Everyone is looking for you.” Jesus’ strength for the work comes from His time alone with the Father. Job’s nights were long and hopeless, but the Lord heals the brokenhearted. Christ wants to take you by the hand and raise you up too, and He teaches you where to begin: with prayer.

This week, set your alarm fifteen minutes earlier and give that time to God before the day begins. Bring Him the name of someone who is sick or suffering.

Know Your Faith

Christ the Physician

Christ’s compassion for the sick and His many healings are a sign that God has visited His people. He came to heal the whole person, body and soul (CCC 1503). In the sacraments, Christ continues to “touch” us to heal us (CCC 1504).

Sickness Before God

In the Old Testament, the sick person lives his illness in the presence of God, lamenting before Him and asking for healing (CCC 1502). Christ did not heal every sick person. His healings announced a more radical healing: victory over sin and death through His Passover (CCC 1505).

The Urgency of Preaching

No one can proclaim the Gospel to himself, and no one can give himself the mission to preach it; those who preach are sent by Christ (CCC 875).

Prayer Before Everything

Jesus often prays in solitude, especially before decisive moments of His mission (CCC 2602). We learn to pray by praying at set times, not only when we feel like it (CCC 2650, 2697-2698).