5th Sunday of Ordinary Time: Jb 7:1-4, 6-7; Ps 147:1-6; 1 Cor 9:16-19, 22-23; Mk 1:29-39 ~ healer of the brokenhearted

Fifth Sunday of Ordinary Time

Christ took away our infirmities and bore our diseases. (Matthew 8:17)

+ In the name the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen

Opening prayer:

Out of Your power and compassion, O God, You sent Your Son into our afflicted world to proclaim the day of salvation. Heal the brokenhearted, bind up our wounds. Bring us health of body and spirit and raise us to new life in Your service. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever.
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A Reading from the Old testament: Job 7:1-4, 6-7 (NLT)

“Is not all human life a struggle? Our lives are like that of a hired hand, like a worker who longs for the shade, like a servant waiting to be paid. I, too, have been assigned months of futility, long and weary nights of misery. Lying in bed, I think, ‘When will it be morning?’ But the night drags on, and I toss till dawn.
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“My days fly faster than a weaver’s shuttle. They end without hope. O God, remember that my life is but a breath, and I will never again feel happiness.
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A Reading from the Psalms: Psalm 147:1-6;(NLT)

Praise the Lord! How good to sing praises to our God! How delightful and how fitting!

The Lord is rebuilding Jerusalem and bringing the exiles back to Israel. He heals the brokenhearted and bandages their wounds. He counts the stars and calls them all by name.

How great is our Lord! His power is absolute! His understanding is beyond comprehension! The Lord supports the humble, but he brings the wicked down into the dust.
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A Reading from the Letters: 1 Corinthians 9:16-19, 22-23 (NLT)

Jeremiah weeping Rembrandt, 1630 Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam — Jeremiah weeping
Rembrandt, 1630
Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam

Yet preaching the Good News is not something I can boast about. I am compelled by God to do it. How terrible for me if I didn’t preach the Good News!

If I were doing this on my own initiative, I would deserve payment. But I have no choice, for God has given me this sacred trust. What then is my pay? It is the opportunity to preach the Good News without charging anyone. That’s why I never demand my rights when I preach the Good News.

Even though I am a free man with no master, I have become a slave to all people to bring many to Christ.
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When I am with those who are weak, I share their weakness, for I want to bring the weak to Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some. I do everything to spread the Good News and share in its blessings.
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A Reading from the Gospels: Mark 1:29-39(NLT)

Christ Healing the Mother of Simon Peter’s Wife John Bridges, 1839 Birmingham Museum of Art, AL — Christ Healing the Mother of Simon Peter’s Wife
John Bridges, 1839
Birmingham Museum of Art, AL

After Jesus left the synagogue with James and John, they went to Simon and Andrew’s home. Now Simon’s mother-in-law was sick in bed with a high fever. They told Jesus about her right away. So he went to her bedside, took her by the hand, and helped her sit up. Then the fever left her, and she prepared a meal for them.

That evening after sunset, many sick and demon-possessed people were brought to Jesus. The whole town gathered at the door to watch. So Jesus healed many people who were sick with various diseases, and he cast out many demons. But because the demons knew who he was, he did not allow them to speak.

Before daybreak the next morning, Jesus got up and went out to an isolated place to pray. Later Simon and the others went out to find him. When they found him, they said, “Everyone is looking for you.”

But Jesus replied, “We must go on to other towns as well, and I will preach to them, too. That is why I came.” So he traveled throughout the region of Galilee, preaching in the synagogues and casting out demons.
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Intercessions:

Great and mighty God – hear our prayers:

+ For those spread the Gospel – that Your Spirit may support them when they feel weary…. Lord, hear us.
+ For prisoners, especially the young – that they may be able to rebuild their lives with dignity…. Lord, hear us.
+ For brokenhearted people – that the mender of souls may bring them healing…. Lord, hear us.
+ For all the sick — at home, in hospitals or in nursing homes — that we may visit them often and pray for them always…. Lord, hear us.
+ For those who suffer from depression – that in moments of despair they may know Your love and support…. Lord, hear us.
+ For mothers-in-law and fathers-in-law – that family relationships may always be marked by sensitivity and tolerance…. Lord, hear us.
+ For those who passed beyond this life – that Your caring love, O God, may abide with them in eternity…. Lord, hear us.

Almighty God, we praise You, for You heal the brokenhearted: graciously hear our prayers and grant us the grace we need to abide in You, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Benediction:

Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts and establish them in every good work and word. (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17)

+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen

Morning Prayer: 7 Feb – Heb 13:15-17, 20-21; Mk 6:30-34 ~ equipped with all you need

Saturday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Opening sentence and prayer:

Father, we praise you, now the night is over, active and watchful, stand we all before you; Singing we offer prayer and meditation: Thus we adore you.
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Praise be to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ: in Christ you have given us every spiritual blessing. Father, may your Spirit lead us forward out of solitude: may he lead us to open the eyes of the blind, to proclaim the Word of light, to reap together the harvest of life. Let our striving for your kingdom not fall short through selfishness or fear: may the universe be alive with the Spirit, and our homes be the pledge of a world redeemed. Father, send us your Spirit.

A Reading from the Letters:Heb 13:15-17, 20-21 (NLT)

Therefore, let us offer through Jesus a continual sacrifice of praise to God, proclaiming our allegiance to his name. And don’t forget to do good and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God.

Obey your spiritual leaders, and do what they say. Their work is to watch over your souls, and they are accountable to God. Give them reason to do this with joy and not with sorrow. That would certainly not be for your benefit.
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Now may the God of peace — who brought up from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great Shepherd of the sheep, and ratified an eternal covenant with his blood — may he equip you with all you need for doing his will. May he produce in you, through the power of Jesus Christ, every good thing that is pleasing to him. All glory to him forever and ever! Amen.
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My sheep hear my voice, says the Lord; I know them, and they follow me. (John 10:27)
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A Reading from the Gospels: Mark 6:30-34 (NLT)

Jesus Preaches in a Ship James Tissot, 1886-1894 Brooklyn Museum — Jesus Preaches in a Ship
James Tissot, 1886-1894
Brooklyn Museum

The apostles returned to Jesus from their ministry tour and told him all they had done and taught. Then Jesus said, “Let’s go off by ourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile.” He said this because there were so many people coming and going that Jesus and his apostles didn’t even have time to eat.

So they left by boat for a quiet place, where they could be alone. But many people recognized them and saw them leaving, and people from many towns ran ahead along the shore and got there ahead of them. Jesus saw the huge crowd as he stepped from the boat, and he had compassion on them because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things.
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Canticle

Christ, as a light illumine and guide me. Christ as a shield overshadow me. Christ under me; Christ over me; Christ beside me on my left and my right.

This day be within and without me, lowly and meek, yet all-powerful. Be in the heart of each to whom I speak; in the mouth of each who speaks unto me. This day be within and without me, lowly and meek, yet all-powerful.

Christ as a light; Christ as a shield; Christ beside me on my left and my right.

Blessing:

May the Lord Christ go with you, wherever He may send you. May He guide you through the wilderness, protect you through the storm. May He bring you home rejoicing at the wonders He has shown you. May He bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors.

+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen

Morning Prayer: 6 Feb – Heb 13:1-8; Mk 6:14-29 ~ the same yesterday, today, and forever

Friday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Opening sentence and prayer:

Through the loving mercy of our God, the Rising Sun has come to visit us.
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Christ is the image of the unseen God, the first-born of all creation, and the first to be born from the dead. All things are to be reconciled through him because he made peace by his death on the cross.

+ We have been baptized into your death: may we be cleansed of greed and envy, and clothed in the strength and gentleness of your love.
+ We have been sealed with the Holy Spirit who has been given to us; confirm us in your service, and help us to bear witness to you in the society in which we live.
+ You continue to work in your faithful people: create through them a new world where injustice and destruction will give way to growth, freedom and hope.

Lord Jesus, come to us today.

A Reading from the Letters: Hebrews 13:1-8 (NLT)

Keep on loving each other as brothers and sisters. Don’t forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it! Remember those in prison, as if you were there yourself. Remember also those being mistreated, as if you felt their pain in your own bodies.

The Lord is my helper

Give honor to marriage, and remain faithful to one another in marriage. God will surely judge people who are immoral and those who commit adultery.

Don’t love money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, “I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.”

So we can say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper, so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me?”

Remember your leaders who taught you the word of God. Think of all the good that has come from their lives, and follow the example of their faith.

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
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Blessed are they who have kept the word with a generous heart, and yield a harvest through perseverance. (Luke 8:15)
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A Reading from the Gospels: Mark 6:14-29 (NLT)

Herod Antipas, the king, soon heard about Jesus, because everyone was talking about him. Some were saying, “This must be John the Baptist raised from the dead. That is why he can do such miracles.” Others said, “He’s the prophet Elijah.” Still others said, “He’s a prophet like the other great prophets of the past.”

Salome with the head of St. John the Baptist Andrea Solario, 1507 Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City — Salome with the head of St. John the Baptist
Andrea Solario, 1507
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City

When Herod heard about Jesus, he said, “John, the man I beheaded has come back from the dead.”

For Herod had sent soldiers to arrest and imprison John as a favor to Herodias. She had been his brother Philip’s wife, but Herod had married her. John had been telling Herod, “It is against God’s law for you to marry your brother’s wife.” So Herodias bore a grudge against John and wanted to kill him. But without Herod’s approval she was powerless, for Herod respected John; and knowing that he was a good and holy man, he protected him. Herod was greatly disturbed whenever he talked with John, but even so, he liked to listen to him.

Herodias’s chance finally came on Herod’s birthday. He gave a party for his high government officials, army officers, and the leading citizens of Galilee. Then his daughter, also named Herodias, came in and performed a dance that greatly pleased Herod and his guests. “Ask me for anything you like,” the king said to the girl, “and I will give it to you.” He even vowed, “I will give you whatever you ask, up to half my kingdom!”

She went out and asked her mother, “What should I ask for?”

Her mother told her, “Ask for the head of John the Baptist!”

So the girl hurried back to the king and told him, “I want the head of John the Baptist, right now, on a tray!”

Then the king deeply regretted what he had said; but because of the vows he had made in front of his guests, he couldn’t refuse her. So he immediately sent an executioner to the prison to cut off John’s head and bring it to him. The soldier beheaded John in the prison, brought his head on a tray, and gave it to the girl, who took it to her mother. When John’s disciples heard what had happened, they came to get his body and buried it in a tomb.
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Canticle

Christ, as a light illumine and guide me. Christ as a shield overshadow me. Christ under me; Christ over me; Christ beside me on my left and my right.

Christ as a light; Christ as a shield; Christ beside me on my left and my right.

Blessing:

+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen

Morning Prayer: 5 Feb – Heb 12:18-19, 21-24; Mk 6:7-13 ~ come to Jesus

Thursday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Opening sentences:

In the morning let me know your love, O Lord.

Christ greeted us with good news: may the world hear it through us, and find hope. We praise and thank You, Lord of heaven and earth; You are the hope and joy of men in every age. Hallowed be Your name.

A Reading from the Letters: Hebrews 12:18-19, 21-24 (NLT)

You have not come to a physical mountain, to a place of flaming fire, darkness, gloom, and whirlwind, as the Israelites did at Mount Sinai. For they heard an awesome trumpet blast and a voice so terrible that they begged God to stop speaking.
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Moses himself was so frightened at the sight that he said, “I am terrified and trembling.”

No, you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to countless thousands of angels in a joyful gathering. You have come to the assembly of God’s firstborn children, whose names are written in heaven. You have come to God himself, who is the judge over all things. You have come to the spirits of the righteous ones in heaven who have now been made perfect. You have come to Jesus, the one who mediates the new covenant between God and people, and to the sprinkled blood, which speaks of forgiveness instead of crying out for vengeance like the blood of Abel.
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The Kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the Gospel. (Mark 1:15)
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A Reading from the Gospels: Mark 6:7-13 (NLT)

And he called his twelve disciples together and began sending them out two by two, giving them authority to cast out evil spirits. He told them to take nothing for their journey except a walking stick — no food, no traveler’s bag, no money. He allowed them to wear sandals but not to take a change of clothes.

“Wherever you go,” he said, “stay in the same house until you leave town. But if any place refuses to welcome you or listen to you, shake its dust from your feet as you leave to show that you have abandoned those people to their fate.”

So the disciples went out, telling everyone they met to repent of their sins and turn to God. And they cast out many demons and healed many sick people, anointing them with olive oil.
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Canticle

Christ, as a light illumine and guide me. Christ as a shield overshadow me. Christ under me; Christ over me; Christ beside me on my left and my right.

Christ as a light; Christ as a shield; Christ beside me on my left and my right.

Blessing:

+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen

Morning Prayer: 4 Feb – Heb 12:4-7, 11-15; Mk 6:1-6 ~ get a grip

Wednesday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Opening sentences:

The Lord’s kindness is everlasting to those who fear him.
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dawn-of-a-new-day-james-corley — Dawn of a New Day James Corley

+ Now that the daylight fills the sky, we lift our hearts to God on high, that he, in all we do or say, would keep us free from harm today;
+ Would guard our hearts and tongues from strife; from anger’s din would hide our life; from all ill sights would turn our eyes; would close our ears from vanities.
+ Would keep our inmost conscience pure; our souls from folly would secure; would bid us check the pride of sense with due and holy abstinence.
+ So we, when this new day is gone, and night in turn is drawing on, with conscience by the world unstained shall praise his Name for victory gained.

A Reading from the Letters: Hebrews 12:4-7, 11-15 (NLT)

After all, you have not yet given your lives in your struggle against sin.

And have you forgotten the encouraging words God spoke to you as his children? He said,

“My child, don’t make light of the Lord’s discipline, and don’t give up when he corrects you. For the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes each one he accepts as his child.”

As you endure this divine discipline, remember that God is treating you as his own children. Who ever heard of a child who is never disciplined by its father?
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No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening — it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way.

"Working Hands" Jason M Levi — “Working Hands”
Jason M Levi

So take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees. Mark out a straight path for your feet so that those who are weak and lame will not fall but become strong.

Work at living in peace with everyone, and work at living a holy life, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord. Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God. Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many.
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My sheep hear my voice, says the Lord; I know them, and they follow me. (John 10:27)
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A Reading from the Gospels: Mark 6:1-6 (NLT)

Jesus left that part of the country and returned with his disciples to Nazareth, his hometown. The next Sabbath he began teaching in the synagogue, and many who heard him were amazed. They asked, “Where did he get all this wisdom and the power to perform such miracles?” Then they scoffed, “He’s just a carpenter, the son of Mary and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas, and Simon. And his sisters live right here among us.” They were deeply offended and refused to believe in him.

Then Jesus told them, “A prophet is honored everywhere except in his own hometown and among his relatives and his own family.” And because of their unbelief, he couldn’t do any miracles among them except to place his hands on a few sick people and heal them. And he was amazed at their unbelief.

Then Jesus went from village to village, teaching the people.
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Canticle

Christ, as a light illumine and guide me. Christ as a shield overshadow me. Christ under me; Christ over me; Christ beside me on my left and my right.

Christ as a light; Christ as a shield; Christ beside me on my left and my right.

Blessing:

+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen

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