1st Week in Ordinary Time
11th January 2023 (Wednesday) Readings and Reflection
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Reading of the Day
First Reading: HEBREWS 2. 14-18
14.Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, 15.and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery. 16.For surely it is not angels that he helps, but he helps the offspring of Abraham. 17.Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. 18.For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.
PSALM 105: 1-2, 3-4, 6-7, 8-9 (R. see 8a)
Response: The Lord remembers his covenent forever
Gospel : MARK 1. 29-39
29.And immediately he left the synagogue and entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. 30.Now Simon’s mother-in-law lay ill with a fever, and immediately they told him about her. 31.And he came and took her by the hand and lifted her up, and the fever left her, and she began to serve them. 32.That evening at sundown they brought to him all who were sick or oppressed by demons. 33.And the whole city was gathered together at the door. 34.And he healed many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons. And he would not permit the demons to speak, because they knew him. 35.And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed. 36.And Simon and those who were with him searched for him, 37.and they found him and said to him, “Everyone is looking for you.” 38.And he said to them, “Let us go on to the next towns, that I may preach there also, for that is why I came out.” 39.And he went throughout all Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and casting out demons.
Daily Gospel Reflection
The Reflection by Fr. Thumma Mariadas Reddy MSFS{alertWarning}
Main Theme: Destroy evil!
Indicative: God subjects himself to death and rises from it. Thereby he frees us from the clutches of sin{alertSuccess}
1. Jesus, the Son of God became like one of us. He suffered and was tested like us. Therefore he knows our weaknesses and struggles. He does not condemn us or despise us. He defeated the evil. He brought us freedom and life.
2. Jesus’ ministry is extensive and holistic. It is not limited only to his close ones, like Peter’s mother-in-law but all others in that town. It is not limited only to his place but extends also to other places in the whole of Galilee.
3. His ministry is holistic because it comprises both word and deed. He preaches and heals. It is holistic because it is rooted in his deep communion with the Father. He does not excuse himself from prayer or does not substitute prayer with work, like many.
4. No busyness of his ministry comes on the way of his intimate moments with the Father. Rather he finds time in the early morning. He perfectly integrates prayer with the ministry. Receiving Jesus’ message and healing touch, what must be our approach and response?
5. Peter’s mother-in-law gives us some lesson here. She receives Jesus’ nearness. She is grasped by hand by him. She is helped up. As soon as she gets cured, she begins to serve him. Do we also allow him to near us, touch us by hand, and help us up? Do we also serve him as we are cured?
Imperative: Integrity of life and integration of mission are the hallmarks of Jesus. Can we imbibe a little of the same spirit as his torch-bearers?{alertSuccess}