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On leaving the synagogue Jesus entered the house of Simon and Andrew with James and John.
Simon's mother-in-law lay sick with a fever.
They immediately told him about her. He approached, grasped her hand, and helped her up. Then the fever left her and she waited on them.
When it was evening, after sunset, they brought to him all who were ill or possessed by demons.
The whole town was gathered at the door.
He cured many who were sick with various diseases, and he drove out many demons, not permitting them to speak because they knew him.
Rising very early before dawn, he left and went off to a deserted place, where he prayed.
Simon and those who were with him pursued him and on finding him said, "Everyone is looking for you."
He told them, "Let us go on to the nearby villages that I may preach there also. For this purpose have I come."
So he went into their synagogues, preaching and driving out demons throughout the whole of Galilee.

Question of the week
When you hear about people who are sick, lonely, or discouraged, what do you do? How do you think today's gospel story might inspire you to be more like Jesus?

Discussion
When you are busy or tired, how do you respond to family members who want your help or attention? Why is it sometimes hard for us to respond to others' needs? Who or what can remind us to be more loving and patient with others around us?

Reflection
Mark describes for us how Jesus' day begins and ends with taking care of others. He heals Simon's mother-in-law, he cures others who are sick, he drives out demons from those who are possessed. He comforts the downhearted and discouraged. The crowds follow him wherever he goes. Even when he goes off to a lonely place to pray and be renewed, Jesus is tracked down by his disciples who say, "Everybody is looking for you!" Without complaint, Jesus responds at once by heading for the nearby villages to heal and preach and comfort.

The Word in Liturgy
Today’s gospel passage is the conclusion of last week’s reading concerning one day in the life and ministry of Jesus. Although in Mark’s gospel the works of Jesus reveal him in various ways, the fullness of his true identity may only be grasped by following him all the way through his suffering, death, and resurrection.

The “messianic secret,” characteristic of Mark’s gospel, is exemplified in today’s reading when the demons know the identity of Jesus but are forbidden to speak. The passage shows that Jesus continues his work of healing and exorcism. His healing of Simon’s mother-in-law is perhaps a baptismal image, as she is “raised up” by Jesus and begins to serve. The pressures of Jesus’ public life are hinted at by the reference to the jostling and demanding throng that follows him, but his spirituality is also evident in the time he takes for prayer, apart from those who tend to crowd around him.

Catholic Doctrine
The Problem of Evil
Even unbelievers would characterize human existence as imperfect. Yet, through the eyes of faith, Catholics perceive the reasons for this imperfect existence, that is, for evil in the world. We acknowledge two distinct kinds of evil. One kind if moral evil; the other is physical evil.

Moral evil is evidenced in original sin and personal sin. Physical evil is evidenced in phenomena such as natural disasters, pain, and physical debilitation due to sickness, physical and mental disabilities, and all sorts of accidents and mishaps that harm us. When we believers plumb the reasons for these two types of evil, we are led to the beginning.

By divine revelation we understand that Adam received original holiness and justice not simply for himself but for all humanity. In similar fashion, by yielding to temptation and turning away from God, Adam’s choice affected human nature. Thus, we are born into a fallen state called “original sin,” a reality contracted by us because we are human, not because we commit it (CCC 404). Unlike original sin, personal sin is something we commit and therefore something for which we are responsible.

Reflection and Questions are adapted and reprinted with permission from Harcourt Religion Publishers, www.Harcourtreligion.com , RCL-Benziger: www.rclweb.com and http://www.blestarewe.com/misc/terms.html ,and William F. Sadlier: www.webelieveweb.com Visit these web sites for additional information and formation resources for adults and children.

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Monday February 6 ~ Memorial of Saint Paul Miki and Companions, Martyrs

Tuesday February 7

Wednesday February 8

Thursday February 9

Friday February 10 ~ Memorial of Saint Scholastica, Virgin

Saturday February 11

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