IMITATING THE COMPASSION OF JESUS TOWARDS THOSE WHO SUFFER

Homily for the Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B

Fr. Ugochukwu Ugwoke, ISch

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

Suffering is an existential human reality. It is a universal experience that transcends cultural, societal, and individual boundaries, touching each life in unique and profound ways. Suffering can be in form of spiritual desolation, physical pain or emotional anguish. The readings of this fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time present us with concrete examples of individuals who passed through suffering: Job and the mother-in-law of Peter. Their sufferings echo our own pain and struggles, inviting us to contemplate the depth and meaning of this existential reality.

The lamentation of Job in the first reading illuminates the harsh realities of human existence, where life can often feel like a drudgery, burdened with toil and tribulations. Job, in his eloquent lament, becomes a voice for humanity, expressing the weariness that accompanies the human journey. His words resonate with the collective sighs of those who have felt the weight of suffering pressing upon their shoulders. In his questioning and searching, Job articulates the universal cry for meaning in the face of adversity and suffering.

Unlike Job who questioned and lamented during his period of suffering, the Psalmist in today’s psalm offers us a different approach to suffering. The psalm is a bittersweet melody of a heart that praises God even in the midst of suffering. “Praise the Lord, who heals the brokenhearted,” echoes a song that emerges from the crucible of pain, acknowledging the healing power of God amidst the shards of brokenness. The psalmist assures us that even in the midst of suffering, the Divine Presence accompanies us, offering healing, hope, and the promise of ultimate redemption.

In the gospel reading, we find a vivid account of the compassion and healing power of Jesus towards those who suffer. In that gospel passage, we were told that when Jesus got to the house of Simon-Peter and Andrew in the company of James and John, Simon’s mother-in-law was down with fever. Moved with compassion, Jesus went straight to her, took her by the hand and helped her up. Immediately, the fever left her and she began to wait on them. That evening, they brought to him all others who were suffering from different kind of diseases and those who were possessed by the devils, and he healed them.

The image of Jesus rising early in the morning to pray speaks to the importance of seeking communion with the Father, grounding ourselves in prayer before embarking on the mission of the day. The choice of a lonely place for prayer highlights the need for solitude and silence in our spiritual lives. In the midst of ministry demands and the busyness of life, Jesus retreated to a quiet place to recharge spiritually. This teaches us the value of carving out moments of stillness to rejuvenate our souls, fostering a deeper connection with God. The action of Jesus also points to the place of communion with God in times of pain, desolation, weariness, and suffering.

As we reflect on these readings, let us keep in mind that suffering is not as an isolated experience but an integral part of the human reality. Suffering, when embraced with courage and faith, can become a catalyst for profound transformation. It refines our character, deepens our empathy for others in pain, and invites us into a sacred communion with the Divine. It is in the crucible of suffering and pain that we encounter the raw authenticity of our existence, stripped of pretense and bravado. It is here that we grapple with questions of meaning, purpose, and the elusive nature of divine providence.

Lastly, today’s liturgy also invites us to examine our own lives. Do we recognize the stewardship entrusted to us as followers of Jesus? In a world where life can often feel like a laborious toil and hardship, how are we bringing the healing presence of Christ to those around us? In a world filled with people who like Job are suffering from physical pain and emotional anguish, the compassion of Jesus towards the needy becomes an example to be imitated by us.