HOMILY OF SUNDAY OF THE FIFTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR B
Job 7:1-4, 6-7, 1 Cor 9:16-19.22-23, mark 1:29-39
THEME: HUMAN SUFFERING AND OUR KNOWLEDGE OF THE GOSPEL
The suffering in the world is much. And it will continue unless we learn the right attitude towards it. In our today’s first reading, we see how Job was lamenting over his calamities. His interpretation of the evil that befell him was negative, yet God remains a God of restoration.
Lack of proper knowledge of our situation can double our pains. When we do not believe that God can do all things, we will be tempted to seek for succour in wrong places or forced to make statements that only betray our ignorance. We may even neglect what the Lord has empowered us to do, and only result to complaining about our predicaments. Miracles do happen, but empowerment is primordial to every other thing we may be longing for. More so, knowledge is power only when we possess enough wisdom to apply it. There is a common saying that “a problem known is half solved”. If Job had known the discussion that took place between God and Satan concerning him before his predicaments, his attitude towards his suffering would be different. The ability to know the why of things is a mark of an empowered child of God.
Moreover, the Lord said to Simon and those who were with him, “let us go on to the next towns, that I may preach there also; for that is why I came out.” Mark 1:38. Paul said in the first reading, “woe to me if I do not preach the Gospel!” 1Cor 9:16. Our first assignment is to preach the gospel. The problem of the world today is that we have seen Christianity simply as a platform for problem solving. The people were looking for Jesus for more miracles. They were not actually seeking salvation.
The need for miracles become less when we get the best approach to our daily living. Today, many of us are sick because we have failed to apply the principles of healthy life style. At times, we are busy seeking solution to what we would have avoided. Miracles give cure only when we see them as invitation to serve God who in his mercy has altered the cause of nature for our sake. If seen as an end in itself it remains only as mere relief. Simon’s mother in law began to serve the Lord the moment she received her cure.
Let us strive for knowledge of the gospel so that we may imbibe healthy life style. May the Lord inspire us that we may understand his rightful place in our life. Amen
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