FIFTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME FEBRUARY 7, 2021

MASS READINGS

A reading from the holy Gospel of Mark 1:29-39

On leaving the synagogue Jesus entered the house of Simon and Andrew with James and John. Simon’s mother-in-law lay sick with a fever. They immediately told him about her. He approached, grasped her hand, and helped her up. Then the fever left her and she waited on them. When it was evening, after sunset, they brought to him all who were ill or possessed by demons. The whole town was gathered at the door. He cured many who were sick with various diseases, and he drove out many demons, not permitting them to speak because they knew him. Rising very early before dawn, he left and went off to a deserted place, where he prayed. Simon and those who were with him pursued him and on finding him said, “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 have I come.” So he went into their synagogues, preaching and driving out demons throughout the whole of Galilee.

REFLECTION: "He approached, grasped her hand, and helped her up."

Illnesses, deaths and distractions cause disturbances, chaos and abandonment. As the devil reminds me of my faults and weaknesses, fear creeps in--did I do enough? did I do all I could? Peace and quietude of spirit are gone.

In Psalm 13:2, "How long, Lord? Will you utterly forget me? How long will you hide your face from me?", I am reminded of God's love. He allows the child in me to cry, be angry, and stomp my feet. He always reminds me that He has never left me.

Love allows you to be yourself and to be honest in our feelings. Do tribulations take away God's favor? No! Is God present in our broken hearts? Yes! If we seek to be saints, faith and love give us the strength to carry the yoke of the Lord. As I pray and hold on to my Lord, I realize that I am nothing.

I am a child who without God will be lost. God often allows us to experience our weaknesses so that His strength will show in our nothingness. "He approached, grasped her hand, and helped her up."

I am blessed that God hears my words, my tears and my lamentations inspite of my "temper tantrums", "giving in to frustrations" and "anger at lack of control of an illness or a situation". He reminds me as He takes me in His arms that He loves me and my family.

May I always sing of the Lord, "How good our God has been to me!" (Psalm 13:6)

God Bless You