Daily Readings for February 4, 2018

1ST READING

The Book of Job attempts to address the existence of evil and human drudgery that stems from it. Our life can become routine without expectation and purpose. Each day is the same as the next, and change seems to be a distant possibility. But if we have faith in Jesus Christ, we believe there is hope for change and redemption. No matter how mundane life can be, He has promised us salvation. Let us hold on to His promise.

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 allotted to 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

Paul is a slave of the Gospel. The Good News of salvation has transformed his life, and he wants to share this with others so that their lives may also be changed. Paul’s commitment to the Gospel is extraordinary — not all of us can be as committed as he was. However, we are encouraged to give our all to the service of the Gospel. It has changed us for the better, so let us share the Good News with others.

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 always remembers that the source of His power and love is His relationship with the Father. Like Jesus, our faith in God is our source of hope and life. Having a personal relationship with God gives us hope of living life to the full and receiving the gift of salvation. Let us pray for the humility to surrender to God’s grace at work in us through baptism.

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.