For your assistance in praying with the Church community this week, the liturgical Sunday readings read at all the masses are provided below, with some suggestions of activities that you and your family might do during the week to help sustain the messages of the Sunday gospel.
Please let us know if these suggestions are helpful for you or your family.
February 5, 2012, 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time
"He went over to her and grasped her hand and helped her up, and the fever left her." (Mark 1:31)
READINGS:
1. Job 7: 1-4, 6-7
2. 1Cor 9: 16-19, 22-23
3. Gospel Mark 1: 29-39 (Click Here for Readings)
REFLECTION: After Jesus finishes the preaching and healing, he leaves the synagogue for the house of Simon (Peter) and Andrew. There he finds Peter’s mother-in-law ill with a fever. He heals her and then, from what we can gather, has a meal with them. Sometimes we may think that Jesus had it easy because he was God and could call on special powers, but he was also human. He got tired and felt pressure when demands were made on him. That is why we can turn to him more easily with our own pressures and tiredness.
PRAYER: Lord Jesus, we place before you the pressures and demands in our daily lives. We know that you must have felt the same pressure and tiredness and frustration that we feel. Fill us with the strength of your Spirit to face the challenges of today and tomorrow. Give us your peace, Lord, and your joy. Amen.
FAMILY DISCUSSION/ACTIVITY:
Monday: How do you handle pressures and demands by work and family? Today take time to seek the Lord’s guidance and strength.
Tuesday: “Job spoke saying, ‘Is not a man’s life on earth a drudgery?’ ” (Job 7:1) Sometimes life can feel that way to us too. Take time today to be aware of God’s presence with you, even in difficult times.
Wednesday: Take time today from pressures and demands. Simply make quiet time to be with yourself.
Thursday: This month is the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes. Pray the new Mysteries of Light of the Rosary (click here for video). World Day of the Sick is also celebrated this month; pray for all the sick.
Friday: Pray the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary (click here for video) for those who are sick.
Saturday: Are there some sick people among your relatives and friends whom you could visit, call, or send a card to as a sign of your love and caring?
PRAYER: Jesus, remind us that we are called as Christians and as teachers of the Gospel. Fill us with the spirit of enthusiasm for your word and joy for your message. Amen.
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