St. Hilary, bishop & doctor 

*** 1st Reading ***

Hebrews 2:14-18

And because all those children share one same nature of flesh and blood,

Jesus likewise had to share this nature. This is why his death destroyed the one holding the power of death, that is the devil, and freed those who remained in bondage all their lifetime because of the fear of death.

 Jesus came to take by the hand not the angels but the hu­man race. So he had to be like his brothers and sisters in every respect, in order to be the High Priest faithful to God and merciful to them, a priest able to ask pardon and atone for their sins. Having been tested through suffering, he is able to help those who are tested.

 

Ps 105:1-2, 3-4, 6-7, 8-9

The Lord remembers his covenant forever.

 

**** Gospel ****

Mark 1:29-39

On leaving the synagogue, Jesus went to the home of Simon and Andrew with James and John. As Si­mon’s mother-in-law was sick in bed with fever, they immediately told him about her. Jesus went to her and taking her by the hand, raised her up.

The fever left her and she began to wait on them. That eve­ning at sundown, people brought to Jesus all the sick and those who had evil spirits: the whole town was pressing around the door. Jesus healed many who had various diseases, and drove out many demons; but he did not let them speak, for they knew who he was.

Very early in the morning, before daylight, Jesus went off to a lonely place where he prayed. Si­mon and the others went out, too, searching for him; and when they found him they said, “Every­one is looking for you.” Then Jesus answered, “Let’s go to the near­by villages so that I may preach there too; for that is why I came.”

 So Jesus set out to preach in all the synagogues throughout Galilee; he also cast out demons.

 

Gospel Reflection

Jesus’ life is characterized by many movements. One of that is lifting others as well as lifting Himself high to God in prayer. When He came to Simon Peter’s house, he lifted the latter’s mother-in-law to health and wholeness.

He will do this to so many people in His lifetime. The following day, He spent the early hours lifting Himself to His Father in prayer. No wonder He is strong. He also seeks people and in the same breath, people also seek Him out.

He invites His disciple to go to the neighboring towns and villages that He may also preach to them. Yet, people also look for Him. They come in droves whenever they hear Him nearby.

Thus lifting up and seeking out are the two movements that characterizes Jesus in this gospel. May we have our own movements in life that eventually lead us to Jesus as we lift ourselves up to Him in paryer, and to humanity as we seek them out in loving service.