1st READING
In one sense the sentiment of Job in the book of the Bible named for him is true but only if we have no faith. Any and every situation in life is transformed by faith into an opportunity to get to know God better, if we allow it to be so. The way we do this is by approaching everything with a mindset of faith. If we do not have faith then it will not be long before the words and sentiments of Job very closely reflect our experience.
Job 7:1-4, 6-7
1 Job spoke, saying: Is not man’s life on earth a drudgery? Are not his days those of a hireling? 2 He is a slave who longs for the shade, a hireling who waits for his wages. 3 So I have been assigned months of misery, and troubled nights have been told off for me. 4 If in bed I say, “When shall I arise?” then the night drags on; I am filled with restlessness until the dawn. 6 My days are swifter than a weaver’s shuttle; they come to an end without hope. 7 Remember that my life is like the wind; I shall not see happiness again.
P S A L M
Psalm 147:1-2, 3-4, 5-6
R: Praise the Lord, who heals the brokenhearted.
1 Praise the Lord, for he is good; sing praise to our God, for he is gracious; it is fitting to praise him. 2 The Lord rebuilds Jerusalem; the dispersed of Israel he gathers. (R) 3 He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. 4 He tells the number of the stars; he calls each by name. (R) 5 Great is our Lord and mighty in power to his wisdom there is no limit. 6 The Lord sustains the lowly; the wicked he casts to the ground. (R)
2nd READING
The reward of preaching the Gospel is the act in itself. We have received the gift of salvation freely and so we must offer it freely to others. Yes, there is a cost to pay if we become a disciple of Jesus, but that is life. There are no good things in life that cost nothing. It is up to us to make the best of our lives. This means acting upon the graces given to us. What better help can we have to do this than the Holy Spirit?
1 Corinthians 9:16-19, 22-23
16 Brothers and sisters: If I preach the gospel, this is no reason for me to boast, for an obligation has been imposed on me, and woe to me if I do not preach it! 17 If I do so willingly, I have a recompense, but if unwillingly, then I have been entrusted with a stewardship. 18 What then is my recompense? That, when I preach, I offer the gospel free of charge so as not to make full use of my right in the gospel. 19 Although I am free in regard to all, I have made myself a slave to all so as to win over as many as possible. 22 To the weak I became weak, to win over the weak. I have become all things to all, to save at least some. 23 All this I do for the sake of the gospel, so that I too may have a share in it.
GOSPEL
Jesus heals the sick; He visits people in their homes; He is one with His flock. Today, because of busyness and many other reasons, there is a danger of the leaders of our Church, both clergy and lay, losing touch with the grass roots faithful. It is among the little ones that the most powerful and poignant examples of faith and ministry generally occur, not just because they are the most numerous group, but because this is where the heart of God truly dwells.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
Christ took away our infirmities and bore our diseases.
Mark 1:29-39
29 On leaving the synagogue Jesus entered the house of Simon and Andrew with James and John. 30 Simon’s mother-in-law lay sick with a fever. They immediately told him about her. 31 He approached, grasped her hand, and helped her up. Then the fever left her and she waited on them. 32 When it was evening, after sunset, they brought to him all who were ill or possessed by demons. 33 The whole town was gathered at the door. 34 He cured many who were sick with various diseases, and he drove out many demons, not permitting them to speak because they knew him. 35 Rising very early before dawn, he left and went off to a deserted place, where he prayed. 36 Simon and those who were with him pursued him 37 and on finding him said, “Everyone is looking for you.” 38 He told them, “Let us go on to the nearby villages that I may preach there also. For this purpose have I come.” 39 So he went into their synagogues, preaching and driving out demons throughout the whole of Galilee.
1st READING 2nd READING
think: Every situation in life is transformed by faith into an opportunity to get to know God better, if we allow it to be so.
BLESSING
LIST
T O D A Y ’ S BLESSING LIST
Thank You Lord for: ____________________________________
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God’s special verse/thought for me today________________
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READ THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR Romans 1-4
SABBATH PAUSE
My weekly time with God
THANK YOU LIST
Things to be grateful for from the past week
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SPECIAL NEEDS
Things to ask God for in the coming week
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HIDDEN TREASURE
Most important word God told me this week
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