The First Reading shares that, in the midst of incredible tragedy - losing all of his children and all of his wealth, then being stricken by a painful disease - Job cries out his sorrow. Having held firm with his trust in God, his friends laid out all the reasons he should be devastated, and at last he voices his mourning.
In the Responsorial Psalm the psalmist voices his trust in God, who heals the brokenhearted, be it from physical or spiritual loss. If our life is physically difficult or there are struggles with relationships, personal life, or our connection to God - anything that has us down or feeling that a situation is hopeless - we are the brokenhearted!
And God IS here for US!
Ask for help in whatever way you can and He WILL send help.
In the Second Reading St. Paul speaks clearly and strongly - but accurately - about our responsibility to pass on the Good News of God. We are not all called to abandon everything in life and reside in a desert, but we are to share the love, joy, and Truth in "our station" in life. For this were we created and on it we will be judged:
Did I love others enough to give them what they needed most
when they most needed it, even when they didn't want it?
So much is revealed in this Gospel!
As you read Jesus' actions,
ponder what they might mean in His day and
how you might imitate His example in your life!
1. Jesus leaves the place of worship to visit the home of one He knows. 2. When a sick person is made know, He heals the sick person.
3. Upon being made whole, the sick person immediately begins
to serve, not preaching to the world,
but simply meeting the needs that are within her "station in life."
4. Those who come for healing, well after meeting the time when people rest at home, receive healing - both physical and spiritual.
5. Even as Jesus performed miracles to heal, He silenced demons to prevent them from speaking aloud that He is God.
The fallen angels who set themselves against God,
they knew Him, while those coming to Him for help did not.
6. To have quality time in prayer,
Jesus slipped out before others awoke to a secluded space.
7. Jesus was pursued because His generosity and goodness attracted people to Him.
8. Discerning (probably during #6) that He had fulfilled God's Will for Him in that place, Jesus followed God's prompting to serve elsewhere.
9. Jesus does not state that they shall move to another location for people to bring their sick, but for the purpose of preaching.
10. Jesus does enter other synagogues to preach - but He continues the merciful act of healing the sick who are brought to Him.
