First Reading | Hebrews 2:14-18
In the incarnation, Jesus becomes human like us in order to redeem us. One of the Fathers of the Church, St. Gregory Nazianzus, said, “What has not been assumed has not been healed,” referring to the incarnation. Let us reflect on this truth to understand the depth of God’s humility and love. Only someone who loves as deeply as God will be able to bring the gift of salvation to others.
14 Since the children share in blood and flesh, Jesus likewise shared in them, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, 15 and free those who through fear of death had been subject to slavery all their life. 16 Surely he did not help angels but rather the descendants of Abraham. 17 Therefore, he had to become like his brothers and sisters in every way, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest before God to expiate the sins of the people. 18 Because he himself was tested through what he suffered, he is able to help those who are being tested.
Responsorial Psalm | Psalm 105:1-2, 3-4, 6-7, 8-9
R: The Lord remembers his covenant forever.
1 Give thanks to the Lord, invoke his name; make known among the nations his deeds. 2 Sing to him, sing his praise, and proclaim all his wondrous deeds. (R) 3 Glory in his holy name; rejoice, O hearts that seek the Lord! 4 Look to the Lord in his strength; seek to serve him constantly. (R) 6 You descendants of Abraham, his servants, sons of Jacob, his chose ones! He, the Lord, is our God; throughout the earth, his judgments prevail. (R) 8 He remembers forever his covenant that he made binding for a thousand generations, 9 which he entered into with Abraham and by his oath to Isaac. (R)
Gospel | Mark 1:29-39
Jesus was a man committed to prayer. Like Him, do we prioritize prayer in our daily life? Sadly, when we become busy or experience difficulties, our prayer life suffers. If something has gone wrong or our lives have become busier, all the more we need to go to God in prayer and seek His guidance and wisdom.
Gospel Acclamation
My sheep hear my voice, says the Lord. I know them, and they follow me.
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. 35Rising 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.
