Readings:
Job 7:1-4, 6-7
Psalm 147
1 Corinthians 9:16-19, 22-23
Mark 1:29-39

Lord, in today’s in the Gospel we saw you healing Simon’s mother-in-law, and the many sick who were brought to you. You were the Good Shepherd who came to bandage the wounded, heal the sick, seek out the lost, and support the weak.

Today, through your Church, you still reach out to your suffering people. Through the Sacrament of Reconciliation, you seek out the lost; welcoming us with warmth and love, and strengthening us in our journey through life. In the Sacrament of the Eucharist, you continue to heal us, and nourish us with your Body and Blood. And you also come to us in and through each other; encouraging and healing us in our times of need.

You call each of us to be your presence to each other. We are your disciples, called on to continue your mission on earth. Many sick, isolated and wounded people await our loving response to your call.

Touch my heart today, I pray, so that I will love your people as you loved them. Like Paul, may I do all things for the sake of the Gospel, so that I, and others, may share in its blessings. May I learn from you the importance of prayer and service, as I see you withdrawing to a quiet place for prayer, and then reaching out in service and love.

Lord, thank you for your support in my times of trial and need. Through your loving presence in the Eucharist which I have received today, may I walk faithfully, endure patiently, and serve lovingly, until that blessed day when you welcome me into the Kingdom of your Father. Amen.