5th Sunday of the Year (B)

(Edited) Reflections: (From) 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time (B), February 5, 2012

Liturgical readings

Job 7:1-4, 6-7
Psalm 147
1 Corinthians 9:1-19, 22-23
Mark 1:29-39

"He went off to a lonely place in the desert to pray."

Jesus teaches all who hear the gospel that prayer is the key to make lives, relationships and work contribute to healing in all its forms. Though Jesus was busy healing many people (including Simon Peter's mother-in-law), He showed a good example to those who follow Him, how He makes prayer the first priority in His ministry: "He rose up early in the morning to pray." Like Jesus, in prayer, all the faithful can receive from the Father that life-giving spirit that brings healing and help to many, with its primary source in the Eucharist.

For many who live in the city or semi-urban areas, discipline and planning is necessary to manage time and set some for prayer, reading of Scripture, and reflection. Following the example of Jesus, anyone can rise early in the morning and make prayer the first priority of his work day. What Jesus exemplifies in the gospel has become a well-founded tradition in the Church: from the monastic spirituality of ancient Christianity up to present daily Mass-goers of many parishes. The Sacraments invite all to be healed of many bad habits that need to be replaced by life-giving ones that the faithful may be a strong witness to others.

There are many practical helps to lead the faithful to prayer. Meditation tapes are very popular. There are also many books that give ideas how each one can pray more effectively. If one's intuitive and feeling faculties are strong, then these are a big help (especially in reading Scripture passages). Intuition and feeling accompanied with God's grace lifts up minds and hearts to God. St. Augustine, a known authority in the faith, is noted to have used his intuitive and feeling faculties in prayer. The prayer and spiritual tradition of other saints can also help (St. Ignatius of Loyola, St. Thomas of Aquinas, and St. Francis of Assisi). Following the Saints' tradition of prayer helps well to obtain that depth of rootedness needed to make Christian life an instrument of peace and hope for many.