Gospel Reflection for the Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B.

Praise the Lord who heals the broken-hearted, (Psalm 146)

The beginning of the year is a time for fresh starts, particularly in our spiritual life. Today's Gospel of Mark tells us about the beginning of Jesus' earthly ministry, having called his disciples and made Capernaum his home. Jesus brings about the Kingdom of God by healing all our sicknesses, physical, spiritual and mental.  Now is the time for us to gather up all our ills and sorrows, our sadnesses and disappointments and present them to Him. He wants to heal us. He wants his followers to be whole, healthy and free in mind and body; after all, He is a God who delights in showing mercy.. (Micah 7,18)

We can put ourselves in the place of Peter's mother-in-law and feel the strength of his hand as he helps us up. Now well and whole we can serve Him.