Readings for the week of 2/5/2012 to 2/11/2012

Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time
February 5, 2012
[The Lord] tells the number of the stars and calls them by name.
Psalm 147:4

THE GOOD NEWS
     Todays readings begin with a few verses from the book of Job. First, Job complains that his nights drag on endlessly. Then, worse yet, My days are swifter than a weavers shuttle; / they come to an end without hope (Job 7:6). Not exactly encouraging, these lamentations, not when taken alone.
     Most of us have been there, though, and the antidote is the good news that Paul found so compelling that an obligation has been imposed on me, and woe to me if I do not preach it! (1 Corinthians 9:16). Paul felt driven to announce the gospel to as many people as possible, to save at least some (9:22).
     This good news is the mystery of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, who lifted Simon Peters mother-in-law from her sickbed with amere touch of his hand. The whole town was gathered at the door. He cured many who were sick with various diseases, and he drove out many demons (Mark 1:3334)). Our woes and demons are as real as Jobs, and Jesus is our savior.
Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co.

TODAYS READINGS First Reading Job spoke, saying: I have been assigned months of misery, and troubled nights have been allotted to me (Job 7:1-4, 6-7). Psalm Praise the Lord, who heals the brokenhearted (Psalm 147). Second Reading I have become all things to all, to save at least some (1 Corinthians 9:16-19, 22-23). Gospel Jesus cured many who were sick with various diseases (Mark 1:29-39). The English translation of the Psalm Responses from the Lectionary for Mass © 1969, 1981, 1997, International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation. All rights reserved.

READINGS FOR THE WEEK Monday:      1 Kgs 8:1-7, 9-13; Mk 6:53-56 Tuesday:      1 Kgs 8:22-23, 27-30; Mk 7:1-13 Wednesday:      1 Kgs 10:1-10; Mk 7:14-23 Thursday:      1 Kgs 11:4-13; Mk 7:24-30 Friday:      1 Kgs 11:29-32; 12:19; Mk 7:31-37 Saturday:      1 Kgs 12:26-32; 13:33-34; Mk 8:1-10 Sunday:      Lv 13:1-2, 44-46; Ps 32; 1 Cor 10:31 11:1; Mk 1:40-45

SAINTS AND SPECIAL OBSERVANCES
Sunday:
     Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time;
     World Day for Consecrated Life;
     Boy Scout Sunday
Monday:
     St. Paul Miki and Companions
Wednesday:
     St. Jerome Emiliani; St. Josephine Bakhita
Friday:
     St. Scholastica
Saturday:
     Our Lady of Lourdes; Blessed Virgin Mary;
     World Day of the Sick

TREASURES FROM OUR TRADITION
     The story of Job seems at first hearing to be an extension of Februarys gloom into the liturgy. The monumental suffering of a good man is so horrific that the laments of the front page of modern newspapers barely measure up. The whole story is not long to tell, but its resolution is of great comfort. We can trace in its plot the stirrings of a belief in an afterlife, and in Gods great power to right every wrong and raise human beings from suffering.
     In the Gospel, we see the fulfillment of these longings in the hand of Jesus, grasping an ill woman by the hand and raising her up to vibrant life. Peters mother-in-law becomes her best self, attentive to her guests, providing hospitality, the warmth of her laughter, the delightsof her kitchen. Last week, at Candlemas, candles were blessed, including baptismal candles for some not yet born. Today is a day to check the fragile flame of your own baptismal candle. Against Februarys customary lethargy, its background whines and ailments, the liturgy summons us to life, grasps us by the hand, and sends us to serve in Christs name.
James Field, Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co.

A BOOK TO READ
     There is a great difference between the eager person who wants to read a book and the tired person who wants a book to read.
G. K. Chesterton

HINDSIGHT
     Gods presence is not discerned at the time when it is upon us, but afterwards, when we look back.
John Henry Newman