Daily Readings - Sun Feb 04 2024
Job
1Is there not an appointed time to man upon earth? are not his days also like the days of an hireling?2As a servant earnestly desireth the shadow, and as an hireling looketh for the reward of his work:3So am I made to possess months of vanity, and wearisome nights are appointed to me.4When I lie down, I say, When shall I arise, and the night be gone? and I am full of tossings to and fro unto the dawning of the day.6My days are swifter than a weaver's shuttle, and are spent without hope.7O remember that my life is wind: mine eye shall no more see good.
1 Corinthians
16For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!17For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation of the gospel is committed unto me.18What is my reward then? Verily that, when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel of Christ without charge, that I abuse not my power in the gospel.19For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more.22To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.23And this I do for the gospel's sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you.
Mark
29And forthwith, when they were come out of the synagogue, they entered into the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John.30But Simon's wife's mother lay sick of a fever, and anon they tell him of her.31And he came and took her by the hand, and lifted her up; and immediately the fever left her, and she ministered unto them.32And at even, when the sun did set, they brought unto him all that were diseased, and them that were possessed with devils.33And all the city was gathered together at the door.34And he healed many that were sick of divers diseases, and cast out many devils; and suffered not the devils to speak, because they knew him.35And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed.36And Simon and they that were with him followed after him.37And when they had found him, they said unto him, All men seek for thee.38And he said unto them, Let us go into the next towns, that I may preach there also: for therefore came I forth.39And he preached in their synagogues throughout all Galilee, and cast out devils.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter three distinct yet interconnected narratives that invite us to reflect on suffering, service, and the mission of Christ. The first reading from Job paints a vivid picture of a man overwhelmed by suffering, feeling his life to be a relentless battle devoid of hope. Job's lament reminds us of the human experience of pain and the struggle to find meaning amidst hardship. In the second reading, St. Paul shares his own burden, emphasizing that his preaching is not a choice but an obligation—a stewardship entrusted to him by God. He humbles himself, becoming all things to all people, to bring the Gospel to a world in need. Finally, the Gospel presents Jesus as the compassionate healer and preacher, demonstrating the heart of his mission: to serve, to heal, and to proclaim the Good News.
These readings converge on the theme of selfless service and trust in God's plan. Job, though suffering, maintains his faith, teaching us to trust even when we cannot understand. Paul's willingness to adapt and serve others mirrors Jesus' own mission of love and redemption. Jesus, in turn, shows us that true authority is expressed through service, not power. His healings and preaching reveal God's desire to restore and redeem His people.
In our daily lives, these readings challenge us to embrace our own crosses with faith and to serve others with love. Like Paul, we are called to be stewards of the Gospel, sharing it through our words and actions. Like Jesus, we are invited to reach out to those in need, offering healing and hope. Let us trust in God's plan, even when the road is difficult, and let us strive to be instruments of His love in the world.