FIRST READING
“He had to be made like his brethren in every respect, so that he might become merciful.”
A reading from the Letter to the Hebrews (Hebrews 2:14-18)
Since the children share in flesh and blood, Jesus himself likewise partook of the same nature, that through death he might destroy him who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong bondage. For surely it is not with angels that he is concerned but with the descendants of Abraham. Therefore he had to be made like his brethren in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make expiation for the sins of the people. For because he himself has suffered and been tempted, he is able to help those who are tempted.
The word of the Lord.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM Psalm 105:1-2. 3-4. 6-7. 8-9
R/. The Lord remembers his covenant forever.
Or: Alleluia.
Give thanks to the Lord; proclaim his name.
Make known his deeds among the peoples.
O sing to him, sing his praise;
tell all his wonderful works! R/.
Glory in his holy name;
let the hearts that seek the Lord rejoice.
Turn to the Lord and his strength;
constantly seek his face. R/.
R/. The Lord remembers his covenant forever.
Or: Alleluia.
O children of Abraham, his servant,
O descendants of the Jacob he chose, he,
the Lord, is our God;
his judgements are in all the earth. R/.
He remembers his covenant forever:
the promise he ordained for a thousand generations,
the covenant he made with Abraham,
the oath he swore to Isaac. R/.
ALLELUIA John 10:27
Alleluia. My sheep hear my voice, says the Lord; and I know them, and they follow me. Alleluia.
GOSPEL
“He healed many who were sick with diseases.”
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark (Mark 1:29-39)
At that time: Jesus left the synagogue, and entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. Now Simon’s mother- in-law lay sick with a fever, and immediately they told him of her. And he came and took her by the hand and lifted her up, and the fever left her; and she served them. That evening, at sundown, they brought to him all who were sick or possessed with demons. And the whole city was gathered together about the door. 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. And in the morning, a great while before day, he rose and went out to a lonely place, and there he prayed. And Simon and those who were with him followed him, and they found him and said to him, “Every one is searching for you.” 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.” And he went throughout all Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and casting out demons.
The Gospel of the Lord.
TODAY’S REFLECTION
The mystery of God’s love for man is seen in Jesus, the incarnation of God, who condescended to take human flesh. To be like us He took upon Himself everything of ours, save sin. This divine union brought man salvation from the powers of death. Such a union makes Jesus our brother in the faith of Abraham. The mercy of God comes to us through this union, since He has passed through our nature. The benefits we have from this union are many. This is why Jesus goes around doing good and healing all our infirmities. We must utilize the grace of this union and adoption in Christ by faithfully and spiritually inviting Him into our home and heart.